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.
Her vivid, maximalist still lifes depict layered familial heirlooms, Judaica, flowers, and textiles made by Panamanian indigenous women. Lily Marks, Time, 5 May 2025 Quinta Brunson This is the show that proved that there’s still life in the network TV comedy. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 Prices range from $15 for striped hand towels to $500 for still life paintings. India Roby, Architectural Digest, 2 May 2025 As the Scientific Revolution spread across Europe, artists became increasingly devoted to realism in still life paintings of plants and flowers. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 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 28 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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