minimalism

American  

[min-uh-muh-liz-uhm] / ˈmɪn ə məˌlɪz əm /

noun

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.

2. minimal art.

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

4. 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.

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minimalism British  

/ ˈmɪnɪməˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. another name for minimal art

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

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

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Usage

What does minimalism mean? Minimalism most generally refers to a style or approach that uses a small number of elements. More specifically, it can refer to a type of painting or sculpture (sometimes called minimal art), music, or other art form that typically uses the simplest and fewest elements with the goal of creating the maximum effect. In this sense, it is sometimes capitalized. The adjective form minimalist can be used to describe such art forms, or more generally to describe a simple style or approach. As a noun, it can be used to refer to an artist who practices Minimalism or, more generally, to a person who favors a simple style or approach. The related adjective minimalistic is used to describe something that is stripped down to its most essential elements or uses only what is needed. Both minimalist and minimalistic can be used to describe things that are simplified and include only the most basic components, without embellishment. Example: Jane says she prefers minimalism when it comes to interior design, but to me it just looks like her house is missing a lot of furniture.

Etymology

Origin of minimalism

First recorded in 1965–70; minimal + -ism

Explanation

Minimalism is a style of art that's extremely simple and pared-down. In the late 1950s, the first works of art described as examples of minimalism included abstract paintings of geometric shapes. In visual art, minimalism takes the form of simplified figures, shapes, and colors, while musical minimalism focuses on repetition of notes and phrases. In addition to the art movement, the word has grown to describe a style of decorating and living that avoids decoration and clutter. The Latin root of minimalism is minimus, "smallest or least."

Example Sentences

Running shoes have evolved from barefoot minimalism to towering platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

He explains that white is "not about inspiration but being careful not to offend", with Cloud Dancer embodying "austerity, moral minimalism and the idea that neutrality signifies virtue".

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Some X users joked that a return to minimalism was a “recession indicator,” while others found the choice of white to be pointed, comparing it to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle controversy.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

The show’s minimalism extends to its set by Soutra Gilmour: two oversize piles of luggage on a turntable—conceptually clever even if it may trigger unpleasant memories of long, foot-tapping waits at airport carousels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

The child’s name was minimalism, and its arrival heralded a sea change in the relationship between musical genres.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall