pointillism

noun, poin·til·lism often capitalized \ˈpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˌyi-zəm, ˈpȯin-tə-ˌli-zəm\

: a style of painting in which a picture is formed from small dots of color

Full Definition of POINTILLISM

: the theory or practice in art of applying small strokes or dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together

— poin·til·list \ˌpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˈyēst, ˈpȯin-tə-list\ noun

See pointillism defined for English-language learners

French pointillisme, from pointiller to stipple, from point spot, from Old French — more at point

First Known Use: 1901

Next Word in the Dictionary: pointillisticPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pointilléAll Words Near: pointillism

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