cubism

noun

cub·​ism ˈkyü-ˌbi-zəm 

often capitalized

: a style of art that stresses abstract structure at the expense of other pictorial elements especially by displaying several aspects of the same object simultaneously and by fragmenting the form of depicted objects

cubist

ˈkyü-bist 

noun or adjective often capitalized

cubistic

kyü-ˈbi-stik 

adjective

Examples of cubism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the exhibition excluded historical styles, folk art—along with a range of other references such as exoticism, cubism, French neoclassicism and machinery—was incorporated into many projects. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 29 May 2025

Visit the Zentrum Paul Klee, a museum dedicated to Paul Klee, to see works by the Swiss German artist inspired by 20th-century movements like cubism and surrealism. —Andrew Richdale, AFAR Media, 17 Mar. 2025

Other styles include conceptual, gothic, pop art, surrealism, art deco, contemporary, impressionism, realism, art nouveau, cubism, renaissance, baroque, fauvism, and modern. —Terri Williams, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

This exhibit continues her exploration of racial stereotypes and social issues, drawing from historical movements like cubism and the Harlem Renaissance. —Okla Jones, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cubism

noun

cub·​ism ˈkyü-ˌbiz-əm 

: a style of art in which natural forms are broken up into geometric shapes (as squares, triangles, or circles)

cubist

-bist 

adjective or noun