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

At The Third Line, Sara Naim’s solo exhibition will feature paintings that move between figuration and abstraction and will be paired with a video work that breaks language down into gesture and sound. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

German Expressionism and Surrealism, deemed degenerate by Nazis and Soviets alike, show up in stylized figuration, spatial distortion, and a dreamlike atmosphere. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

There’s an iconoclastic aspect to her as well, suggesting a challenge to the gods and nature in figuration that is ultimately rejected. —Theo Belci, Artforum, 27 Feb. 2026

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

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