painting

1 of 2

noun

paint·​ing ˈpān-tiŋ How to pronounce painting (audio)
Synonyms of paintingnext
1
: a product of painting
especially : a work produced through the art of painting
2
: the art or occupation of painting

painting

2 of 2

present participle of paint entry 1

Synonyms of painting

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Noun

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Examples of painting in a Sentence

Noun They hung the painting in the living room. The woman in that painting is my grandmother. I like painting more than sculpture. He is studying abstract painting. She wants to devote all her time to painting. The room is ready for painting.
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Noun
The legendary British art collector has spent half a century acquiring paintings, sculpture, and furniture, along with nurturing contemporary creatives as a formidable patron. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026 At the Manufacture, Said also worked with the artisans on enameling and engraving, as well as lacquer painting. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Though there are many souvenir shops with kitschy moai and colorful shell necklaces, for top local craftsmanship, seek out the paintings, woodcarvings, and jewelry at Mana Gallery, on the north end of Hanga Roa. — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 An 18th-century Kangra painting illustrates their visit to the ancient sage Bharadvaja’s hermitage and places Lakshmana alongside Rama and Sita. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painting

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of painting was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing painting

Rhymes for painting

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Browse Nearby Words

paintiness
painting
painting knife
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Cite this Entry

“Painting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painting. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

painting

noun
paint·​ing
1
: a painted work of art
2
: the art or occupation of painting

More from Merriam-Webster on painting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about painting

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