1. a style of painting developed in France in the late 19th century that emphasizes the effects of light and color rather than precise details
Usage: art
2. a style in music or literature that seeks to create moods and impressions rather than clear structure or narrative
Usage: music; literature

Examples

• Monet’s water lily paintings are classic examples of impressionism.
• The museum has an excellent collection of French impressionism.
• Impressionism changed the way artists thought about light and shadow.
• Debussy’s music represents impressionism in classical composition.
• The poet’s work showed the influence of literary impressionism.
• Art students learn about impressionism as a major movement in painting.
• Impressionism emerged as a reaction against traditional academic art.