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

With Beckham’s signature design codes of elevated minimalism and Mango’s essential style, the collection is set for success among their demographics. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024

After several seasons of luxe minimalism, recent fall 2024 collections spawned ubiquitous headlines heralding the return of Boho chic. —Merle Ginsberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Mar. 2024

Like last year, wide-leg jeans are holding strong as the reigning silhouette; these days, though, our styling leans more toward ’90s minimalism than ’70s grooviness or Y2K excess. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2024

But has our understanding of minimalism itself become a little too reductive? —Lauren Gallow, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2024

Many people your daughters’ age have embraced minimalism. —Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2024

Something about minimalism and whiteness comes to mind. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2024

The debut guide introduces you to warm minimalism, Scandinavian folklore, and more. —Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2024

From Hermès to Carven’s debut by Louise Trotter or Dries Van Noten, the focus was on elevated minimalism for discreetly opulent wardrobes. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1