word painting

American  

noun

1. an effective verbal description.

2. tone painting.

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Other Word Forms

• word painter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of word painting

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

word painting

They assiduously avoid the “I” word, painting the committee’s work as garden-variety oversight.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 18, 2019

Ms. Wilks’s most highly valued Spiegel collection works at Christie’s were Sigmar Polke’s 1964 Ben-Day dot canvas, “Frau mit Butterbrot,” and “Untitled,” a 1988 Christopher Wool word painting emblazoned with “PLEASE” six times.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2017

In typical fashion, Handel uses word painting to reinforce the message, sending the vocal part through elaborate undulating runs on the word “changed.”

From New York Times ● Dec. 17, 2015

Accredited institutions are invited, even encouraged, to borrow, say, a simple Christopher Wool word painting or a monumentally complex tapestry of woven metal bits by El Anatsui.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2015

It is better to keep down to the bare, although complete, description rather than to attempt any word painting.

From How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence by Crowther, Mary Owens