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Definition of pointillism

pointillism

/ˈpwɑːn.tɪ.lɪ.zəm/
poin · til · lism
Adverb:pointillistically
•
Adjective:pointillistic
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pointillism Lexical Profile

pointillism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A Neo-Impressionist technique and style of painting, pioneered by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac in the 1880s, in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns that blend optically in the viewer's eye to form an image.

Example

"When viewed from a distance, the thousands of tiny dots of pointillism merge into a luminous, cohesive landscape."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pointillism

• Nearby Words

pointedly
pointedness
pointer
pointillism
pointing
pointless
pointlessly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'pointillisme', coined by art critics in the late 1880s from the verb 'pointiller' (to mark with dots), ultimately derived from Latin 'punctum' (a point or prick).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pointillism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pointillism
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