sculpture

noun

sculp·ture | \ ˈskəlp-chər

Definition of sculpture

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the action or art of processing (as by carving, modeling, or welding) plastic or hard materials into works of art

b(1) : work produced by sculpture

(2) : a three-dimensional work of art (such as a statue)

2 : impressed or raised markings or a pattern of such especially on a plant or animal part

sculpture

verb

sculptured; sculpturing\ ˈskəlp-chə-riŋ

, ˈskəlp-shriŋ \

Definition of sculpture (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to form an image or representation of from solid material (such as wood or stone)

b : to form into a three-dimensional work of art

2 : to change (the form of the earth's surface) by natural processes (such as erosion and deposition)

3 : to shape by or as if by carving or molding

intransitive verb

: to work as a sculptor

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about sculpture

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Examples of sculpture in a Sentence

Noun

a sculpture of an elephant an exhibit of African sculpture

Verb

the artist used a hammer and chisel to sculpture the horse out of ice

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The sculpture is part of a 14-piece Alamo Sculpture Trail that, when completed, will link the Alamo to the Briscoe Western Art Museum about two blocks south. — Scott Huddleston, ExpressNews.com, "Roosevelt statue now part of Alamo Plaza," 11 June 2019 Rose, 76, works in oil paint, and Melvin, 77, creates with collage on paintings and sculpture. — Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, "The art of community: Melvin and Rose Smith celebrate Rondo in Weisman exhibit," 7 June 2019 But La Napoule became the place for Henry, who had studied briefly with Rodin, to pursue his painting and sculpture. — Laura Van Straaten, Town & Country, "Château de la Napoule Is the Most Interesting House in the South of France," 6 June 2019 The sculpture is temporarily dark while the trail collects donations at keepanndancing.org. — Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "Mass Ave's electronic 'Ann Dancing' needs $262,800. Here's what's behind that number.," 4 June 2019 Shinique Smith: Refuge Smith works across media, typically in combinations of painting, sculpture, collage and installation. — Matt Cooper, latimes.com, "The week ahead at SoCal museums, July 8-15: 'Solar Reserve' at LACMA and more," 7 July 2018 The 23 works of art include paintings, sculpture, films, textiles and photographs. — Chris Kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Painting by Michelle Obama portraitist Amy Sherald among 23 BMA acquires after deaccession sale," 26 June 2018 Over time, much of the sculpture has taken on some unified stylistic and structural components. — James Tarmy, Bloomberg.com, "The Smithsonian’s Burning Man Art Show Is Actually Quite Good," 30 Mar. 2018 Karon Davis, co-founder of the city’s hip Underground Museum, plans to place her white sculptures of children around the set of a school. — Kelly Crow, WSJ, "‘We Just Need to Create a Moment’: Art Market Looks to L.A.," 12 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

What is the significance of sharing art and specifically sculpture outside? — Trevor Fraser, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Local artist donates sculpture for auction to aid Wells'Built Museum," 3 Apr. 2018 A life-size cow sculptured from butter has been a tradition at the Ohio State Fair since the early 1900s. — Polly Campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio's 2017 butter sculpture: In living color," 25 July 2017 Two round medallions that stud this one-of-a-kind Makassar ebony pendant are sculptured from gold. — Nancy Hass, New York Times, "T Magazine Newsletter," 10 Nov. 2016

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