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

Ashurbanipal collected animals from all over his empire, and there is a diverting relief sculpture of a lioness relaxing with a lion in a delightful garden. — Richard Cork, WSJ, "A Conqueror With a Taste for Art," 24 Nov. 2018 This is a sculpture called Tilted Spheres in the Toronto Airport. — Russell Brandom, The Verge, "Celebrated artist Richard Serra has been making Goatses his entire career," 23 Sep. 2018 One is a new 17-foot sculpture that promises to amaze, said beautification committee chairwoman Joan Stevens. — Jane Ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Always changing stunning Radler gardens to be open to public in Greenfield," 12 July 2018 There is the boxing glove sculpture for Muhammad Ali. — Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, "Where you can live on a typical income around downtown Louisville," 9 July 2018 The Michael Jordan statue is the greatest flyover sculpture in NBA history. — Steve Rosenbloom, chicagotribune.com, "LeBron James finally leaves the East, and it’s the worst thing for the Bulls," 2 July 2018 In addition to pop-up art shops, there are several spots along the way where local artists have painted murals on the walls, and there are sculptures on display. — Scott Mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, "Surprises await when you explore the green spaces of New York City," 30 June 2018 There are also several sculptures by designer Ed Zucca, and a bed and chest in Hart’s bedroom from the North Carolina manufacturer Henredon. — Paul Jablow, Philly.com, "A South Street apartment's journey from eclectic to psychedelic and back again," 19 June 2018 Eschewing the heroic, monumental approach which for centuries was sculpture’s default mode, his figures are evocations of disquiet and discontent that fit a world disillusioned with bombast. — The Economist, "How Alberto Giacometti became a legend," 14 June 2018

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.