Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

history painting

noun

Definition of history painting 

1 : history sense 4a(2)

2 : the practice or techniques of painting histories

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about history painting

Share history painting

Resources for history painting

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near history painting

historyless

historymaker

history of religions

history painting

history repeats itself

history shows/has shown

histotoxin

Statistics for history painting

Look-up Popularity

Comments on history painting

What made you want to look up history painting? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

brouhaha

a state of commotion or excitement

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games