minimalist

noun min·i·mal·ist \ -list \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of minimalist

1 : one who favors restricting the functions and powers of a political organization or the achievement of a set of goals to a minimum

2 a : an artist who creates minimal art

b : an adherent of minimalism

Recent Examples of minimalist from the Web

Makeup minimalists should opt for Aerin’s shimmering Beach Cream to quench dry ends and sun-kissed skin, or Tarte's meltproof mascara for mile-long lashes.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Here's What to Pack in Your Coachella Beauty Kit," 9 Apr. 2018
The packaging is minimalist, but the cosmetics are designed to make your complexion glow while actively improving your skin.

— vanity fair, Vanities, "From the April Issue: International Beauty Inspiration," 2 Apr. 2018
Another song, named after the modernist minimalist painter Agnes Martin, has a refrain about total oblivion.

— john adamian, courant.com, "Punk Trio Screaming Females To Play Space Ballroom," 31 Mar. 2018
For makeup minimalists, festivals like Coachella or Afropunk are grounds (literally) for experimenting with wilder beauty looks (or even a bedazzled surgical mask à la Rihanna).

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "The BH Cosmetics Festival Makeup Collection Is All About That Weekend Party Look," 29 Mar. 2018
Mary-Kate Olsen, one half of the design duo behind The Row, stepped out in New York City yesterday dressed in her usual minimalist uniform.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Mary-Kate Olsen Steps Out in Next Season’s Hottest Ugly Sneaker," 27 Mar. 2018
The entire Art Style series is also essential; building on Skip’s Japan-only Bit Generations line for the Game Boy Advance, each title is a minimalist, arcadey delight.

— sam byford, The Verge, "Nintendo’s WiiWare dies this weekend, so download these games while you can," 23 Mar. 2018
Americans have a reputation for mindless consumerism, but in the last several years a growing minimalist movement has claimed abundance is the ultimate burden, and that clearing clutter is how to make space for real joy.

— alia e. dastagir, USA TODAY, "There's a war being waged on your stuff. Should you give in and 'declutter'?," 8 Feb. 2018
Wiley said the foursome performs on a minimalist set.

— randall g. mielke, Aurora Beacon-News, "Under the Streetlamp endures through some changes," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minimalist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of minimalist

1906

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

minimalist

adjective

Definition of minimalist

: of, relating to, or done in the style of minimalism

See minimalist defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of minimalist from the Web

The minimalist style, which relies on black, white and shades of gray more than bright colors — and, of course, giant clocks — fits nicely into your Instagram feed alongside those influencers and beauty bloggers.

— kelly lawler, USA TODAY, "The undeniable appeal of Chip and Joanna Gaines, HGTV's prom king and queen, explained," 9 Apr. 2018
John McDermott's sets and Les Dickert's lighting, while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic that keeps a cool distance from literalism, are colorful and sprightly.

— charles mcnulty, latimes.com, "Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and Shaw's 'Saint Joan': A marathon for four actors, and the audience," 9 Apr. 2018
Outrageous luxury is only one element in Koons’s masterly fusion of Pop content and minimalist aesthetics, which prophesied and still authorizes the cultural aplomb of our reconstituted, remorselessly ongoing gilded age.

— naomi fry, The New Yorker, "“Like Life” Shows Seven Hundred Years of the Body," 24 Mar. 2018
We were also utterly charmed by the store’s minimalist art-deco-meets-mid-century aesthetic.

— michele parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New Parisian-style pastry shop in Hillcrest a shimmering gem," 22 Mar. 2018
Bedlam favors a minimalist aesthetic, with few props and the cast mainly garbed in everyday attire rather than period costumes.

— don aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, "Just four actors to perform ‘Saint Joan’ and ‘Hamlet’? Sounds like utter Bedlam.," 12 Mar. 2018
Perfect pre or post Arcola Theatre, Sager + Wilde is a sleek eatery that epitomizes the minimalist style of London Fields.

— tom marchant, Harper's BAZAAR, "103 Things to Do, See, Eat and Shop in London," 7 Dec. 2017
The ski coat, which would hit store racks in fall 2017, was tough, minimalist, and utilitarian, featuring few pockets, big Velcro pull tabs on the cuffs, and exposed zippers with oversized pulls.

— gordy megroz, Outside Online, "Why Your North Face Jacket Is Called a "Ceptor"," 26 Mar. 2018
Queen Rania followed up with another elegant fashion moment today, selecting a sophisticated and minimalist outfit for a visit to a local school.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Queen Rania of Jordan and Queen Maxima Coordinate Like Only Royals Can," 21 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of minimalist

1929

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

MINIMALIST Defined for English Language Learners

minimalist

adjective

Definition of minimalist for English Language Learners

: of, relating to, or following a style in art, literature, or music that is very simple and uses a small number of colors, parts, materials, etc.

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Nglish: Translation of minimalist for Spanish speakers

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Definition of minimalist

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minimalist

Definition of minimalist

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MINIMALIST Defined for English Language Learners

minimalist

Definition of minimalist for English Language Learners

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minimalist

Definition of minimalist

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minimalist

Definition of minimalist

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First Known Use of minimalist

MINIMALIST Defined for English Language Learners

minimalist

Definition of minimalist for English Language Learners

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