art

art · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The expression of creative skill and imagination, typically in visual form.

  2. 2.

    Works produced by creative skill, especially paintings, drawings, or sculptures.

  3. 3.

    A skill or ability developed through practice.

  4. 4.

    [plural]Subjects of study concerned with human culture (as opposed to sciences).

  5. 5.

    [archaic]Second person singular present tense of "be" (thou art).

Forms

plural: arts

Phrases & expressions

  • art for art's sake — Art created purely for aesthetic reasons.
  • state of the art — The most recent and advanced level of development.
  • work of art — A fine piece of art; something done with great skill.
  • the art of — The skill involved in doing something.
  • fine arts — Art forms appreciated for their beauty (painting, sculpture, etc.).
  • black art/arts — Supposedly magical practices.
  • arts and crafts — Decorative handicraft activities.

Related words

Antonyms: science

Etymology

From Old French art, from Latin ars, artis ("skill, craft, art"), from Proto-Indo-European h₂r̥tís ("properly arranged").