noun

painting

A picture made with paint, or the activity of applying paint.

A colorful painting hangs above the couch in our living room.

Etymology

The ending -ing can name both an activity and its product. Painting therefore refers to applying paint and to the picture produced by that action.

More examples

  • The museum displays paintings by local artists.
  • She finds watercolor painting relaxing after a busy day.
  • We finish the fence repairs before we start the painting.

Forms

painting · paintings

paint verb — To cover a surface with paint.

painter noun — Someone who paints pictures or other surfaces.

Similar words

picture
A broader term for an image in any medium.
artwork
Includes paintings, sculptures, and other works of visual art.