diptych

noun

dip·​tych ˈdip-(ˌ)tik 

1

: a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces

2

: a picture or series of pictures (such as an altarpiece) painted or carved on two hinged tablets

3

: a work made up of two matching parts

Illustration of diptych

• diptych 2

Examples of diptych in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lithograph diptych is by America Martin and was also sourced through 1stDibs. —Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2025

The diptych begins with an artist onstage for a public conversation, then floats in and out of internal monologues and exchanges between the artist and his censor. —Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025

Here, a modern diptych highlights the height of the room and adds more color to the space. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025

In a room at the French consul general’s, a diptych of palms as long-legged as Paris runway models. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin diptycha, plural, from Greek, from neuter plural of diptychos folded in two, from di- + ptychē fold

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diptych

• cryptic
• styptic
• triptych
• tryptic
• apocalyptic
• ecliptic
• elliptic