minimalist

noun min·i·mal·ist \ -list \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 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

Small in size and minimalist in decor, the space is uncluttered and engaging.

— gail goldberg, SFChronicle.com, "Hayes Valley boutique Gazette says bonjour to French labels," 5 July 2018
The episode description leads me to believe Karra clashes a bit with 50-something-year-old Gary, a minimalist who calls himself the Tarzan of Los Angeles and eats bugs for fun.

— jim stingl, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Stingl: Milwaukee woman on 'Naked and Afraid' was drawn to the extreme survival challenge," 27 Mar. 2018
Annie’s work thus far has been meticulously verisimilar, bordering on minimalist, with depopulated nurseries and studios built of balsa wood.

— katherine fusco, The Atlantic, "Hereditary and the Monstrousness of Creative Moms," 11 July 2018
For Elliana Vatel, covering her whole face and head in colorful dots is considered minimalist.

— devon abelman, Allure, "Women With No Eyebrows Explain Why Arches Aren't Necessary," 14 May 2018
Following the brand's ethos for minimalist, affordable pieces, the shoes retail for only $98.

— marina liao, Marie Claire, "Everlane Released 2 New Sandals for Summer—Here's How to Style Them," 6 June 2018
Believe it or not, Michael Vallera is a minimalist.

— britt julious, chicagotribune.com, "Michael Vallera' s quest for perfect days ends in beauty," 17 May 2018
Her score is by the distinguished Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho; there will be images by American minimalist Brice Marden, and Tony nominee Kathleen Chalfant will narrate the poem.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Critic’s picks: A bounty of ballet, tap, and much more on local stages," 18 May 2018
These directives materialized as a parade of statement pieces that would put off a minimalist and charm everyone else.

— danielle fox, ELLE Decor, "A Feminine—And Feminist—Apartment in Hell’s Kitchen Goes Big," 21 May 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

But while Elon Musk’s company is now set on showing EVs can also be affordable and accessible for the masses, with the minimalist Model 3, others are taking batteries and motors in the opposite direction.

— jack stewart, WIRED, "Pininfarina's Back With a $2 Million Electric Hypercar," 14 July 2018
Even with such a direct landscape orientation, though, this minimalist rendering of a populated landscape remains closer to conceptual art than to conventional realism.

— mike giuliano, Howard County Times, "Connecting the dots in Goldberg's variations," 13 July 2018
Each of the seven Cover Shot palettes is loosely based on a theme — metallics, minimalist shades, holographic pastels, rose gold, punky purples, glitter, and even millennial pink.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Smashbox Teamed Up with Influencer Jasmine Sanders to Launch 7 New Mini Eye Palettes," 11 July 2018
Long one of Zagreb's top addresses for seafood, the minimalist interior features dark-brown furniture tones and low-key lighting, while the 12-course tasting menu and smoked trout makes for a luxurious night out.

— katarina kovac, Vogue, "Where to Go in Croatia’s Capital City of Zagreb," 11 July 2018
The brand is going about its most significant size expansion (the collection will run in sizes XXS through 5X) to date with a partner: Universal Standard, the size-inclusive minimalist fashion label.

— ana colon, Glamour, "J.Crew Will Offer Sizes Up to 5X," 10 July 2018
Interior details such as white walls, stainless-steel appliances and polished concrete floors enhance the minimalist look.

— lauren beale, latimes.com, "'ER' actress Sherry Stringfield sells her Malibu aerie for $3.225 million," 2 July 2018
The result is a minimalist oasis, with all-marble bathrooms and geometric furnishings, courtesy of legendary French architect and designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte.

— Fortune, "5 Spectacular, New Ways to Experience the French Countryside," 28 June 2018
According to Creator press materials, the minimalist look is designed so that diners are meant to focus on the food and the automated process.

— justin phillips, SFChronicle.com, "Six things to know about Creator, San Francisco’s new burger robot restaurant," 27 June 2018