What does putti mean?
Putti is the plural of putto and refers to cherub-like representations of winged infants, especially in painting, sculpture, and decorative art. These figures are usually shown as young children, often nude or lightly draped, and may carry garlands, flowers, torches, musical instruments, or other symbolic objects. They appear frequently in Renaissance and Baroque ceilings, fountains, altarpieces, and ornaments. Although the figures are associated with cherubs and the Roman god Cupid, putti are more specifically childlike winged figures. The word is most often encountered in descriptions of art and architecture rather than everyday conversation. It entered English from Italian during the early 17th century. Italian putti comes from putto, a word meaning a boy or child derived from the Latin putus. In modern English, putti functions as a plural noun, with putto serving as its singular form.
nounPlural of putto: small, usually nude, winged infant figures depicted in art, often associated with cherubs or Cupid.
- Plural of putto: winged infant figures in art, often shown flying, playing, or carrying garlands, torches, or other objects.
"A Baroque ceiling teems with flying putti carrying garlands of fruit."
"She pointed to the smiling putti painted among the clouds on the chapel ceiling."
"The sculpture depicts two putti holding aloft a bowl of fruit."
Putti is the standard plural of putto and normally takes a plural verb.
"The two putti fly above the main scene."
Renaissance art gave us the winged baby: putti are cherub-like infants who have appeared in paintings and sculptures for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does putti come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Italian putti, the plural of putto, meaning a boy or child. Italian putto ultimately comes from Latin putus, meaning a boy or child. As English use developed, the term became especially associated with the winged infant figures of Renaissance art.
How putti is actually used
Putti is a plural-only noun; the corresponding singular is putto. It is used especially in the context of European art, particularly Renaissance and Baroque decorative art.
Easily confused with putti
Putto is the singular form; putti is its standard plural.