still life

American  

noun

plural

still lifes

1. a representation chiefly of inanimate objects, as a painting of a bowl of fruit.

2. the category of subject matter in which inanimate objects are represented, as in painting or photography.

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still life British  

noun

1. 1. a painting or drawing of inanimate objects, such as fruit, flowers, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a still-life painting

2. the genre of such paintings

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Other Word Forms

• still-life
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of still life

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Lutnick’s testimony this past week, like Bondi’s, is thus operating as a still life in what happens when the law becomes inert.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

I don’t consider Klee—sui generis—to be a Surrealist, but “Fish Magic,” merging aquarium, children’s art, still life, cosmos and landscape, is the quintessential portrait of a dream.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

Barcelona-born, Riverola takes photos that span fashion, still life, landscape and architecture, all with a sense of ease and compassion.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2024

We asked our readers to send in their best pictures on the theme of "still life".

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2024

"Thai is not a still life," said Mr. Kravitz, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville