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

So Nude pair falls neatly in line — proof that even in full-metal glamour, minimalism with an edge is having a very good year. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025

The palette—natural stone, warm wood, and polished metal—balances contemporary minimalism with classic refinement. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025

Surrounded by olive trees and pine forest, Maslina blends modern minimalism with natural textures. —Marco Palermo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025

His admittedly non-scientific theory is that minimalism is good for our health. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for minimalism

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