poin·til·lism
ˈpȯin-tə-ˌli-zəm
ˈpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˌyi-zəm
variants
often 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·lis·tic
ˌpȯin-tə-ˈli-stik
ˌpwaⁿ(n)-tē-ˈyi-stik
variants
or less commonly pointillist
1
: composed of many discrete details or parts
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of pointillism or pointillists
Did you know?
In the late 19th century, Neo-Impressionists discovered that contrasting dots of color applied side by side would blend together and be perceived as a luminous whole when seen from a distance. With this knowledge, they developed the technique of pointillism, also known as divisionism. By the 1920s, the adjective pointillistic was being used as a word describing something having many details or parts, such as an argument or musical composition; it was then applied to the art of pointillism and its artists, the pointillists.
Cite this Entry
“Pointillism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointillism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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