minimalist

noun
min·​i·​mal·​ist | \ ˈmi-nə-mə-list How to pronounce minimalist (audio) \

Definition of minimalist

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : one who favors restricting the functions and powers of a political organization or the achievement of a set of goals to a minimum
2a : an artist who creates minimal art
b : an adherent of minimalism

minimalist

adjective

Definition of minimalist (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or done in the style of minimalism

Examples of minimalist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

No minimalist, this Swede favors skin-tight animal-print pants and safety-pins, and his skin is a canvas for an ever expanding gallery of tattoos. Vogue, "With Crapzine, Christopher Insulander Steps Into the Void of the Cancelled Stockholm Fashion Week," 26 Aug. 2019 A decade later, the minimalist, startup-y aesthetic Obama pioneered during his first campaign is omnipresent, both in politics and in Silicon Valley, where apps from Tinder to Facebook have taken to using the style in their marketing materials. Kate Wagner, The New Republic, "The Subtle Politics of Graphic Design," 20 Aug. 2019 Measuring just over 300 square feet, the Kleines Haus, as Peter named it, has a minimalist, Scandinavian sensibility and is tucked behind the house that Stefanie shares with her husband, Mike Chung, and their two children, Otto, 4, and Liezl, 2. Cassandra Landry, SFChronicle.com, "Tiny home in Oakland a perfect fit for grandmother," 31 July 2019 Kobe, in a nod to minimalist, Apple store style, wants to re-build the top of the iconic building using glass. Amy Gunia / Hong Kong, Time, "12 Questions for Tim Kobe, the Apple Store Designer Who Wants to Rebuild Notre Dame With Glass," 24 July 2019 Our sleek minimalist room and wraparound balcony don’t even try to compete with the view. Frances Mayes, National Geographic, "Discover Italy’s most delicious secret," 11 July 2019 No surprise, the city’s fashion scene is more vibrant and colorful than ever, with pretty floral-frock lovers, logo obsessives, and #OldCeline minimalists dominating the scene. Style Du Monde, Vogue, "Our Best Street Style Photos From Copenhagen’s Fall 2019 Fashion Shows," 29 Jan. 2019 The special’s minimalist-meets-space-age-modern set — clear Plexiglas, neon swipes and white Formica — was designed by his mother and sister. Los Angeles Times, "In Julio Torres’ defiantly unique comedy, everyone — and everything — has a story," 9 Aug. 2019 There are many of the same calling cards at other salad joints, like Just Salad or Mixt, both of which just went through a brand refresh and came out the other end looking a lot trendier, a lot more minimalist, a lot more…..Sweetgreen-y. Cam Wolf, GQ, "Moral Fiber: The Healthier-Than-Thou Design Philosophy That Took Over Your Favorite Salad Chain," 13 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The husband and wife design team of Michael Ryan and Sophie Demenge brings a minimalist-meets-high-design vibe to some of the coolest kids beds around. David Syrek, chicagotribune.com, "How to create the coolest kids room ever," 30 Aug. 2019 For a decade, Philo consistently delivered deconstructed minimalist clothes that women loved. Lisa Birnbach, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Return of Preppy Fashion," 27 Aug. 2019 Herschel Supply Co Large Wheeled Suitcase Known for its backpacks and the occasional fanny pack, Herschel has started making a name for itself in the hard-shell suitcase game with durable, minimalist, and affordable luggage. Elaheh Nozari, Condé Nast Traveler, "Everything Worth Buying at This Year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale," 19 July 2019 Dunn’s minimalist bass grooves and the atomic timekeeping of Al Jackson, one of the decade’s best drummers. Billboard Staff, Billboard, "The 100 Best Songs of 1969: Staff Picks," 14 Aug. 2019 Just outside the town and perfectly poised for a night out is 4reasons, whose walk-in showers and minimalist décor give it a distinct modern vibe. Chris Leadbeater, National Geographic, "Discover Turkey’s under-the-radar seaside paradise," 14 Aug. 2019 The minimalist decor of Senia evokes a Scandinavian style that has dominated the upper echelon of fine-dining restaurants in recent years. Naomi Tomky, Fortune, "Honolulu’s Hottest Restaurants Take Hawaiian Paradise Beyond the Beach," 4 Aug. 2019 The restaurant feels of-the-moment Los Angeles in its naturalist beauty (plants breathe life into the minimalist space) and its wide-open creativity, though much of Bost’s culinary background is steeped in grand French traditions. Bill Addison, latimes.com, "Has the curse on a storied Melrose restaurant space finally lifted?," 6 July 2019 Faeroe Islands Koks Leynavatn Dinner at Koks begins with a piece of smoked whale meat to nibble before an off-road Jeep ride to its minimalist 24-seat dining room. Margot Dougherty, WSJ, "5 Restaurants Genuinely Worth Traveling For," 24 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minimalist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of minimalist

Noun

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for minimalist

minimalist

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of minimalist

: of, relating to, or following a style in art, literature, or music that is very simple and uses a small number of colors, parts, materials, etc.