poin·til·lism
ˈpȯin-tə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˌyi-zəm
ˈpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˌyi-zəm
variants
often Pointillism
: the theory or practice in art of applying small strokes or dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together
poin·til·lis·tic
ˌpȯin-tə-ˈli-stik
ˌpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˈyi-stik
ˌpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˈyi-stik
variants
or less commonly pointillist
1
: composed of many discrete details or parts
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of pointillism or pointillists
Did you know?
In the late 19th century, Neo-Impressionists discovered that contrasting dots of color applied side by side would blend together and be perceived as a luminous whole when seen from a distance. With this knowledge, they developed the technique of pointillism, also known as divisionism. By the 1920s, the adjective pointillistic was being used as a word describing something having many details or parts, such as an argument or musical composition; it was then applied to the art of pointillism and its artists, the pointillists.
Examples of pointillism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
John Hodgman, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Peterson will design the commemorative foursome of pins in his signature pointillism style, the foundation reports.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
Nathan Evans, Pitchfork, 12 May 2026
The pointillistic eclecticism of @NYT_first_said does tend to highlight the linguistic extremes—the novelties and the gags and the groaners.
—Max Norman, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for pointillism
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Noun
Like pointillism and democracy, writing is a charming art that belongs to the past.
—John Hodgman, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Peterson will design the commemorative foursome of pins in his signature pointillism style, the foundation reports.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Consisting of jamesjamesjames, Varg²™, Eurohead, and Skarp, the outfit nakedly endeavors to reappraise the richly earnest sounds of 2010s Swedish EDM, known for its pointillistic, high-octave melodies and counterpoints that, at their best, imbue big-room propulsion with butterflies in the stomach.
—Nathan Evans, Pitchfork, 12 May 2026
The pointillistic eclecticism of @NYT_first_said does tend to highlight the linguistic extremes—the novelties and the gags and the groaners.
—Max Norman, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for pointillism
Cite this Entry
“Pointillism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointillism. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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