minimalist

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noun min·i·mal·ist \ -list \

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

Its 30 minimalist rooms and suites are spread among a half-dozen elongated wooden pods, all facing the lush countryside.

— Time, "The 13 Cities to Visit Instead of Overcrowded Tourist Destinations," 25 Aug. 2017
In a perfect world, all of my intimates would be from Baserange — not only because each of the brand’s pieces are sustainable, but also because of their cool minimalist take on comfy favorites.

— indya brown, The Cut, "10 Bralettes That Will Make You Want to Give Up Padding for Good," 14 Aug. 2017
FacebookPinterestElder Ordonez / Splash News John Legend is a style minimalist in every sense of the word.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "John Legend's Simple Guide to Making Your Most Basic Outfits Look Better," 28 July 2017
The enormous wheeled structures, 12 feet tall by 6 feet wide, are a key component of the minimalist set design for the opera, which hangs its storyline on a modern-day tragedy and true story.

— ellise pierce, star-telegram, "Santa Fe Opera boots up a world premiere about the complicated life of Steve Jobs," 14 July 2017
This was in the early 1980s, around the time Steven Wright emerged as a minimalist humorist in a related vein.

— michael phillips, chicagotribune.com, "'Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live': Egad, it's 'Eegah'!," 13 July 2017
Their off-white pen matches the minimalist, stylish space with a metallic teal logo spelling Otway in perfectly symmetrical, thin letters.

— devra ferst, Bon Appetit, "The Best Way to Remember a Meal Is to Steal the Pen," 5 July 2017
The boutique hotel in historic San José del Cabo is a minimalist’s dream –

— gillian ferguson, GQ, "A Not-At-All Touristy Guide to Drinking in Los Cabos," 3 July 2017
Tour the house and find out how to recreate this truly chic minimalist shore style. 1.

— jenna milliner-waddell, ELLE Decor, "Designer Tamara Magel Simplifies A Couple's Hamptons Beach House With Minimalist Decor," 30 June 2017

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

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

Their collaboration in the minimalist music of Glass (for all strings) was a study in strength and beauty.

— janelle gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "Chamber Orchestra season finale electrifies," 27 Aug. 2017
Some might find that minimalist setup to be cutting-edge cool.

— russ mitchell, The Seattle Times, "Tesla Model 3 has some unusual features, including an instrument-free dash," 5 Aug. 2017
Based on Hong's own experience moving with his wife Sohmi from Seoul to the countryside, Uncomfortably Happily is a tale of two comic artists looking for comfort in solitude and minimalist living, even as the twin shadows of poverty and stress loom.

— the editors, The Atlantic, "What We're Reading This Summer," 4 Aug. 2017
The trendlet Hammered metals — all manner of gold, silver, and rose gold — are the textured extras adding interest to a seemingly endless array of must-have minimalist sportswear.

— elizabeth wellington, Philly.com, "Hammered-metal jewelry is so haute," 4 Aug. 2017
There are no visible vents: Just two minimalist stalks, a shifter on the right and turn signals/wiper controls on the left, sprout from the steering column, and a giant screen dominates the center of the cockpit.

— jordan golson, Car and Driver, "Tesla Model 3 Features, Pricing—and a First Drive!," 29 July 2017
Test Results: Maximum Braking Capability In Depth: 2017 Audi Q7 With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the Audi Q7’s cabin is a special place.

— mike sutton, Car and Driver, "2017 Audi Q7," 19 July 2017
Casual, laid-back, yet bursting with feeling, this post-millennial, minimalist Hamlet is an invigorating approach to Shakespeare.

— richard lawson, HWD, "As Hamlet, Oscar Isaac Proves He’s the Best Actor of His Generation," 14 July 2017
Patagonia’s minimalist ripstop shell weighs less than four ounces and stuffs down to the size of a bar of soap, yet deploys in an instant to shed rain and block wind when conditions turn wet and blustery.

— robbie gonzalez, WIRED, "All The Gear You Need For Trail Running," 14 July 2017

First Known Use of minimalist

1929

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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