folk art

noun

: the traditional decorative or utilitarian art of the people that is often an expression of community life and is distinguished from academic or self-conscious or cosmopolitan expression
Along with exhibits showcasing such folk art as quilts, jewelry and toys, visitors learn about the influence of folk art on contemporary art through tours, programs, symposia and art workshops.Shawn Sell

Examples of folk art in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Tigers and magpies are depicted together in a Korean folk art style called Hojakdo. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Mexican Folk Art: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month by creating your own craft honoring Mexican folk art. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025 Sizzling Summer Fest returns San Jose Jazz’s Summer Fest, running Friday through Sunday, will have a new look this year, with the installation of the Mexican folk art alebrijes in Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025 This year, the Bazaar del Mundo’s courtyard will convert into a marketplace with artists and vendors showcasing their ceramic and clay pottery, jewelry, textiles and folk art. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for folk art

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk art was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Folk art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20art. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

folk art

noun
: the traditional art of usually untrained people typically created by an unknown artist

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