rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygenreCategory of creative work
noun

genre

ZHAHN-ruh/ˈʒɑːnrə/

A category of creative work with shared features or conventions.

The paintings form two groups by genre: landscapes and still lifes.

Two clearly separated groups of framed paintings show artistic genres: two landscapes together and two still lifes together.
Etymology
genreLatinkind, class; stock, family

Latin genus supplied the broad idea of a kind or class. Genre applies that classificatory idea specifically to art, grouping works by shared style or form.

In context

In Depth Cine8:02
Let’s compare two of his ‘wuxia’ genre films, ‘House of Flying Daggers’ shot by Zhao Xiaoding and ‘Hero’ photographed by Christopher Doyle. Zhang’s early ‘wuxia’ films are known in particular for their rich colour palettes.
How Directors Collaborate With Cinematographers

More examples

  • Jazz is her favorite musical genre.
  • This novel combines elements of several genres.
  • Mystery writers often play with the conventions of the genre.

Forms

genre · genres

Similar words

category
A broader grouping term, not limited to creative work.
style
Emphasizes how a work is made rather than its category.