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

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

At first glance, Ayón’s moody figurations and dark, muted colors feel a world away from Alfonzo’s energetic and bold abstract scenes. — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

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

The most immediate consequence was opportunities for artists working in styles that fell outside the late modernist orthodoxy—most prominently, figuration. — Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026

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