figuration

noun

fig·​u·​ra·​tion ˌfi-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: form, outline

2

: the act or process of creating or providing a figure

3

: an act or instance of representation in figures and shapes

cubism was explained as a synthesis of colored figurations of objects

—Janet Flanner

4

: ornamentation of a musical passage by using decorative and usually repetitive figures

Examples of figuration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From the modernist, Black figuration of Kwami’s ceramics to Abban’s documentary portrayals of Ghanaian protest movements and architecture, these artists responded to the distinctive, pedestrian layers of postcolonial life. —Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

Part of the pleasure is how the rayographs wobble between metaphor and utensil, abstraction and figuration. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025

Composed of 100 or more layers of ultrathin film produced in the vacuum tank, the silvery pieces are abstract but reveal a tinge of figuration. —Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025

Stonebridge’s work walks a tightrope between chaos and grace, abstraction and figuration. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English figuracioun, borrowed from Latin figūrātiōn-, figūrātiō "process of forming, shape, representation," from figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at figure entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figuration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation