oil painting

noun

Synonyms of oil paintingnext
1
a
: the act or art of painting in oil colors
b
: a picture painted in oils
2
: painting that uses pigments originally ground in oil

Synonyms of oil painting

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Examples of oil painting in a Sentence

He studied oil painting in college. A large oil painting hangs above the mantel.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Varma’s popularity grew at the height of the British Empire in India, as Western-style oil painting, with its emphasis on depth and chiaroscuro, gained prominence in the country. — Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2026 As usual, the Alley Art Festival on Saturday drew crowds who browsed at dozens of tents featuring oil paintings, sculptures, sketches, jewelry, pottery and other artwork along Water Street Mall and Downer Place. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Ducsik notes that a truly beautiful vintage work of art can even set the color palette for an entire room, so be sure to consider the possibilities of an old oil painting or needlepoint picture before donating it. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026 Some benefits may depend on the medium, whether its oil painting, drawing or sculpture. — Donnisa Edmonds, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oil painting

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil painting was in 1699

Rhymes for oil painting

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Browse Nearby Words

oil paint
oil painting
oil palm
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Cite this Entry

“Oil painting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20painting. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oil painting

noun
: a painting done with oil paints

More from Merriam-Webster on oil painting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil painting

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