sandpainting

noun

sand·​paint·​ing ˈsan(d)-ˌpān-tiŋ How to pronounce sandpainting (audio)
: a ceremonial design (as of the Navajo Indians) made usually of colored sands on a flat surface
also : the art of creating such designs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The practice of sandpainting was not intended to make art objects, but as key parts of healing rituals. Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sandpainting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandpainting was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near sandpainting

Cite this Entry

“Sandpainting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandpainting. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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