tempera

noun

tem·​pera ˈtem-pə-rə 

1

: a process of painting in which an albuminous or colloidal medium (such as egg yolk) is employed as a vehicle instead of oil

also : a painting done in tempera

2

: poster color

Examples of tempera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The final lot, a tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence from 1958, failed to sell, providing a rather awkward round of applause to close the evening. —Robb Report, 18 May 2025

A number of the pieces on display – including works in tempera, gouache, acrylic, oil, pencil, pen, and fiber – have rarely been seen outside private collections. —Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025

Use a paintbrush or your finger to cover the egg with tempera paint. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025

The most monumental pieces, simply called the Ten Largest, were dramatic tempera pigment works on paper more than ten feet tall and had been completed in a frenzied nine-week period in 1907. —Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, "tempera, mixture, temperament, constitution" (in modern Italian usually tempra in figurative senses), noun derivative of temperare, temprare "to mix in the proper proportion, moderate," going back to Latin temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing" — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tempera

• tempora

Kids Definition

tempera

noun

tem·​pera ˈtem-pə-rə 

: a process of painting in which the colors are mixed with substances (as egg, glue, or gum) other than oil