minimalism

noun

min·​i·​mal·​ism ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity

2

: minimal art

Did you know?

In the 1960s, a few composers, including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and John Adams, began writing music inspired by the music of India and Southeast Asia, often with a quick pulsing beat and chords that are repeated quickly over and over while small changes are slowly introduced. Minimalist art, which began appearing around the same time, tries to strip away all personal elements, often leaving only pure geometric forms; you may have seen the plain silver boxes of Donald Judd, or the straight neon tubes of Bruce Nauman. In literature, the stripped-down fiction of Samuel Beckett and Raymond Carver is often considered minimalist. But there's a real question whether these various types of minimalism should even be considered the same concept.

Examples of minimalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cozy minimalism Painted bricks and wood tones are a perfect match. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

For many older writers, minimalism becomes an increasingly vital part of their continued practice. —Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

Lean into the minimalism of this look by adding a wrap coat and sweeping your hair back into a French twist. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024

Moving way beyond prep, the American brand has also undergone a noticeable design turn, melding modern minimalism, sportif nods and architectural shapes. —Emily Mercer, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1