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Synonyms

artistry

American  
[ahr-ti-stree] / ˈɑr tɪ stri /

noun

  1. artistic workmanship, effect, or quality.

  2. artistic ability.


artistry British  
/ ˈɑːtɪstrɪ /

noun

  1. artistic workmanship, ability, or quality

  2. artistic pursuits

  3. great skill

"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

Etymology

Origin of artistry

First recorded in 1865–70; artist + -ry

Explanation

Artistry is a particular skill or a flair for something, especially an artistic pursuit. You might love watching ice skating competitions for the sheer artistry of the figure skaters. You can take piano lessons for years and learn how to play many pieces but still not quite achieve the artistry of a truly gifted pianist. It takes practice to gain artistry, but it also takes a kind of creative spark. The word artistry first appeared in the 1830s from artist, modeled after words such as chemistry, from chemist. The root is the Latin word ars, or "art."

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Vocabulary lists containing artistry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The actress hopes the film will allow audiences to view Michael Jackson as "an artist who was a master of his artistry" and someone who "cared deeply about humanity."

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Between the artistry of Curry and the physicality of James, they’ve been faces of the NBA, Lakers coach JJ Redick said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

A. For years casting directors have been lobbying for recognition of their artistry on the front end of films.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

So it's not all artistry when these two meet.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Yet it was only after she toured Europe to great acclaim in the early 1930s that her artistry was recognized in her own homeland.

From "The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Russell Freedman