cubism

noun, often capitalized cub·ism \ ˈkyü-ˌbi-zəm \

Definition of cubism

: 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

play \ˈkyü-bist\ noun or adjective, often capitalized

—

cubistic

play \kyü-ˈbi-stik\ adjective

See cubism defined for kids

Recent Examples of cubism from the Web

Orchard’s style of cubism evokes the work of Pablo Picasso, but her vivid colors recall the effervescence of Henri Matisse’s canvases.

— carolyn twersky, The Cut, "Brooklyn Artist Depicts the Inner Lives of Women," 7 Feb. 2018
In her sensuous and colorful paintings, Tarsila do Amaral (1886–1973) synthesized major Parisian avant-garde movements like cubism with the colors, climate and folklore of her native Brazil.

— j.s. marcus, WSJ, "Brazilian Artist Tarsila do Amaral Comes to New York and Chicago," 6 Oct. 2017
His paintings have rich colors and sharp geometry, Carter's own brand of cubism.

— dan rodricks, baltimoresun.com, "At Artscape, hot weather, cold drinks, winter hats," 22 July 2017
Like Picasso, Picabia was associated with cubism, an early 20th-century art movement that was all about deconstructing objects into their constituent lines and curves and then putting them back together in a slightly different way.

— bill morris, National Geographic, "Turning Images of Earth Into Abstract Art," 13 Jan. 2017
Case in point: Adam Lister and Isaac Budmen’s 8 Bits, 3 Dimensions, an ingenious mash-up of cubism, minimalism, and pop art—with a heavy Atari 2600 gaming vibe.

— rene chun, WIRED, "Ron Burgundy and Boba Fett, Rendered in 3-D Printed Pixels," 19 June 2014
The front lapel of a square monochrome jacket was cut to evoke Cubism — the side of a guitar, alongside a panel featuring a musical score.

— thomas adamson, The Seattle Times, "Art mixes with the aquatic for Paris Couture Week," 3 July 2017
The front lapel of a square monochrome jacket was cut to evoke Cubism — the side of a guitar, alongside a panel featuring a musical score.

— thomas adamson, Detroit Free Press, "Art mixes with the aquatic for Paris Couture Week," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cubism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.