What does painting mean?
A painting is a picture or artwork made by applying paint to a surface, and painting also names the activity and art of creating such works. The word can refer to many media and styles, including oil, watercolor, and mural painting, and can describe the artistic act itself, as in an afternoon spent painting landscapes. In a practical context, a painting may simply be a layer or coat of paint on a wall, object, or piece of furniture. As a verb, painting means to apply paint or create an image with paint. The term comes through Old French and Latin from the root pingere, meaning “to paint,” which also connects it to words such as painter and painterly. Painting is useful because it names both a physical artwork and the widely recognized process involved in making one.
A picture or artwork made by applying paint to a surface; also the activity and art of making such pictures, or a layer of paint.
"Her abstract painting was displayed at the local gallery."
When used for an artwork, “painting” commonly combines with media or subject, as in oil painting, watercolor painting, and landscape painting.
To apply paint to a surface or create a picture using paint.
"They are painting the outside of the house this weekend."
This form is used as the present participle of paint and describes an activity in progress or a completed artistic action, as in “she has been painting.”
Used for individual artworks, especially pictures and canvases; “paintings” is less commonly used for layers of paint.
"The gallery has acquired several paintings by local artists."
From Latin pingere, “to paint,” the word carries the idea of both the artwork and the colorful surface people can see.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does painting come from?
The noun derives from Old French painture, from Latin pictura, meaning “a painting” or “picture.” This comes from pingere, “to paint,” a root also associated with pigment and with the development of the word paint. The modern forms “paint,” “painted,” and “painter” belong to the same word family and reflect the verb’s historical development. The sense of applying a coat of paint developed alongside the artistic sense of making a picture.
Related word forms
How painting is actually used
When referring to an artwork, “painting” usually means a picture made with paint, often on canvas or another surface. In the activity sense, it is commonly used with forms such as oil painting, landscape painting, and house painting. As a verb form, it is used in continuous or completed-action constructions, especially in descriptions of artistic or practical work.
Easily confused with painting
A painting is made by applying paint, whereas a drawing is usually made with lines on a surface using tools such as pencils, pens, or charcoal.