English Reference
noun · adjective

modernist

n. · adj.
US /ˈmɑdɝnɪst/ UK /mˈɒdənˌɪst/ mod·ernist UK spelling modernists

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Academic

    n.a person who follows or supports the ideas of modernism in art, writing, or design.

    n.a proponent or practitioner of modernism, particularly in the context of 20th-century arts, literature, or architecture.

    Simple

    As a modernist, the architect preferred clean lines and simple materials over traditional decorations.

    In context

    The early modernists sought to break entirely from nineteenth-century conventions, experimenting with fragmented narratives and abstract forms to reflect a changing world.

    innovatoravant gardist
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    adj.relating to the style of modernism, which focuses on new ideas rather than old traditions.

    adj.characteristic of or relating to the movements of modernism in the arts or social sciences.

    Simple

    The museum is famous for its collection of modernist paintings from the 1920s.

    In context

    The city's skyline is defined by modernist skyscrapers that prioritise functional efficiency and geometric simplicity over ornamental detail.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Cooking

    adj.a style of cooking that uses science and new techniques to change how food looks and feels.

    adj.pertaining to the culinary arts of molecular gastronomy, involving the application of scientific principles to food preparation.

    Simple

    The chef prepared a modernist dish where the olives were turned into tiny liquid bubbles.

    In context

    Modernist cuisine often employs laboratory equipment like centrifuges and liquid nitrogen to deconstruct traditional flavours and reassemble them in unexpected textures.

This late modernist style evolved in the 1970s and celebrates industrial engineering and prefabricated materials.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026

Portinari, who often painted rural workers and labourers, is one of the most significant Brazilian Modernist artists.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From modern + -ist.

Etymology 2

Ellipsis of Modernist Cuisine, a book on molecular gastronomy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated