folk art

noun

: the traditional decorative or utilitarian art of the people that is often an expression of community life and is distinguished from academic or self-conscious or cosmopolitan expression
Along with exhibits showcasing such folk art as quilts, jewelry and toys, visitors learn about the influence of folk art on contemporary art through tours, programs, symposia and art workshops.— Shawn Sell

Examples of folk art in a Sentence

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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.
The connection among folk art, handcrafts, and modernism was made by a number of curators and collectors at the time. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 The museum features folk art exhibits from around the world (walk-ups only). — Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025 Fringed lampshades and claw-foot tubs sustain a sleek bordello mood in the rooms, and downstairs, lavish parlors showcase folk art exhibits, a coffee counter, and a dreamy, dark saloon scene. — Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025 Ingenious folk art creators can be found across the backroads of the South, on farms in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest, and in city centers from L.A. to New York, but that’s not Rasquachismo. — Chadd Scott, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for folk art

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk art was in 1892

Rhymes for folk art

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Cite this Entry

“Folk art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20art. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

folk art

noun
: the traditional art of usually untrained people typically created by an unknown artist

More from Merriam-Webster on folk art

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk art

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