still life

noun

plural still lifes
1
: a picture consisting predominantly of inanimate objects
2
: the category of graphic arts concerned with inanimate subject matter

Examples of still life in a Sentence

an exhibit of still lifes She prefers portraiture to still life.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Silver buttercups, cow parsley and strawberry leaves fill a vase, while branches of apple blossom and Scots pine shed petals and pines, like a Dutch still life in precious metal. Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Her father encouraged her artistic ambitions by placing her under the apprenticeship of Willem van Aelst, a still life specialist. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 Another painting set to make a record is a still life by Davidsz. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025 Floral still life by Megan Chase; Anguilla rattan coffee table by Serena & Lily. David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for still life

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of still life was in 1695

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Cite this Entry

“Still life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/still%20life. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

still life

noun
plural still lifes
: a picture of an arrangement of objects
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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