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

From chic minimalism to louder styles like bomber jackets and baggy jeans, the trends born out of the ’90s have a way of sticking around. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 6 Nov. 2026

There’s a 25-meter pool alongside a sauna and relaxation areas that lean into quiet minimalism rather than flashy wellness theatrics. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

Stockholm locals share a distinct aesthetic best described as effortless minimalism. — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026

While less pricey than your typical celebrity sparklers, the trio of rings were just right for the minimalism-loving Breakfast at Tiffany’s star. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for minimalism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism