painting

word · lemma: paint

/ˈpeɪntɪŋ/
PAYN-ting
/pˈeɪntɪŋ/
PAYN-ting

Definition

A painting is a picture made with paint, or the activity of putting paint on a surface. It can refer to art on canvas or to covering walls, doors, or other objects with paint.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, 'painting' as a noun means an artwork: 'a beautiful painting'. In home/improvement contexts, it can mean the job or process: 'The painting will take two days.' Don't confuse it with 'picture', which is more general and can include photos.

Example Sentences

I bought a painting for my living room.

basic

The painting on that wall is very old.

basic

He's into abstract painting these days, so his work looks very different now.

natural

She loves painting flowers in bright colors.

basic

That painting really caught my eye the second I walked in.

natural

We're finally done with the kitchen painting, and it looks great.

natural