paintings

word · lemma: painting

/ˈpeɪntɪŋz/
PAYN-tingz
/pˈeɪntɪŋz/
PAYN-tingz

Definition

Paintings are pictures made by putting paint on a surface such as canvas, paper, or wood. The word usually refers to finished works of art, especially when talking about art in homes, museums, or galleries.

Usage & Nuances

Usually a countable noun: 'a painting', 'three paintings'. 'Painting' can also mean the activity of applying paint, so context matters: 'I like painting' often means the hobby, while 'I bought two paintings' means artworks. Common collocations: 'oil paintings', 'abstract paintings', 'famous paintings'.

Example Sentences

The museum has many paintings from the 19th century.

basic

She bought two paintings for her living room.

basic

These paintings are very colorful.

basic

I could spend hours looking at those paintings.

natural

His apartment is full of old paintings he found at street markets.

natural

The gallery rotates its paintings every few months, so there's always something new to see.

natural