chiaroscuro

noun

chiar·​oscu·​ro kē-ˌär-ə-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō 

-ˈsku̇r-

plural chiaroscuros

1

: pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color

2

a

: the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art

The artist uses chiaroscuro to create the perception of depth in a two-dimensional work.

b

: the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)

3

: a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color

also : a print made by this technique

4

: the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface

a spotlight revealing a chiaroscuro of ridges and craters on a mountainside

5

: the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

Examples of chiaroscuro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aubrey is able to paint realistically, and understands chiaroscuro. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

Belgian art historian and professor Michel Draguet authored a 600-page report featuring a critical analysis of the painting, noting its use of light, chiaroscuro, multidirectional brushstrokes, and composition, as typical of works by Michelangelo’s hand. —News Desk, Artforum, 12 Mar. 2026

He was particularly known for using a technique called chiaroscuro, which essentially focuses on the dramatic contrast between light and dark. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

In that sense, black and white — the chiaroscuro, the contrast, the gradation of grays — became a visual metaphor for the moral dilemmas at the center of the story. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from chiaro clear, light + oscuro obscure, dark

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chiaroscuro

• politburo
• bureau
• bureaux