diptych

noun

dip·​tych ˈdip-(ˌ)tik How to pronounce diptych (audio)
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

Illustration of diptych
  • diptych 2

Examples of diptych in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By 1775, the Collegiate Church was in dire need of funds for a restoration and sold the diptych, breaking it apart. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2023 Also on view is a diptych from Nina Katchadourian’s series Lavatory Self-Portraits in the Flemish Style. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Aug. 2023 Traditionally, mug shots come with both frontal and profile views—a diptych. Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2023 Opening its doors to the public on September 14, this poignant exhibition consists of a series of diptychs by renowned photographer Dawoud Bey that pays homage to the legacy of the tragic event while celebrating the resilience and strength of the Birmingham community. Greg Garrison | , al, 1 Aug. 2023 Inside the structure, the pieces 0’s and 1’s, 2020, and aro pillars chukwu dinners, 2022, are set against a diptych of Kanu’s own photography. Sean Santiago, ELLE Decor, 22 Apr. 2023 The Joy Division and New Order diptych is very influential and not just in New Wave, but also in synth-pop as a whole. Vulture, 8 Mar. 2023 But the black cat who gazes outward from the bottom of a diptych just emphasizes the spectator's essential solitude. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2023 On display during Frieze Los Angeles at David Kordansky Gallery‘s booth, Hall’s solo presentation of new work — made up of diptychs and stand-alone canvases created through a surprising alchemy of brewed coffee and acrylic paint — are a veritable bildungsroman told visually. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diptych.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of diptych was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near diptych

Cite this Entry

“Diptych.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diptych. Accessed 3 Nov. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on diptych

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!