art form

American  

noun

1. the more or less established structure, pattern, or scheme followed in shaping an artistic work.

   The sonata, the sonnet, and the novel are all art forms.

2. a medium for artistic expression.

   ballet, sculpture, opera, and other art forms.

3. a medium other than the artistic regarded as having highly developed or systematized rules, procedures, or formulations.

   international diplomacy regarded as an art form.

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art form British  

noun

1. a conventionally established form of artistic composition, such as the symphony or the sonnet

2. a recognized medium of artistic expression

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Etymology

Origin of art form

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

art form

But to say that no filmmakers are working in mainstream, high-flying, big-budget action with real artistic value negates the principle of filmmaking as an art form.

From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026

Matano beat out dozens of other artists to secure the commission to create the sculpture and, after many months, has completed a preliminary clay art form, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026

It’s not unusual for the art form, which requires an openness in participants, to lead to bigger life changes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

"There is a lot of skill and imagination involved. It's an art form, really."

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

Since the words of the Tang people were more alive— more like pictures, really—handwriting was more of an art form than among demons.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep