minimalism

[ min-uh-muh-liz-uhm ]

nounSometimes Min·i·mal·ism .
  1. Music. a reductive style or school of modern music utilizing only simple sonorities, rhythms, and patterns, with minimal embellishment or orchestrational complexity, and characterized by protracted repetition of figurations, obsessive structural rigor, and often a pulsing, hypnotic effect.

  1. an aesthetic, particularly in design, decor, and fashion, favoring simplicity, clean lines, and neutral colors over pattern, ornament, and brighter colors.

  2. a lifestyle involving a reduction or simplification of one’s material possessions that frees one to lead an existence that is more intentional, purposeful, spiritual, etc.:Inspired by a guru of minimalism, the couple sold their house and began living on the road in an RV.

Origin of minimalism

1
First recorded in 1965–70; minimal + -ism

Words Nearby minimalism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use minimalism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for minimalism

minimalism

/ (ˈmɪnɪməˌlɪzəm) /


noun
  1. another name for minimal art

  2. a type of music based on simple elements and avoiding elaboration or embellishment

  1. design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012