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

He instructed Harnett to select from among Abbe’s own possessions for the still life, and Harnett chose objects that reveal the comfortable, cultured aspects of his client’s life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

The origins of food-focused art date back to 17th and 18th-century Dutch still life paintings, in which food was utilized as “a narrative device,” wrote Elizabeth Goodspeed for the creative platform It’s Nice That.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 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

He jumped when the gruff voice said, "Perhaps you did not understand me, Mr. Thatcher. We are drawing still lifes today. In particular, that still life."

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville