English Reference

Word

painting

Phoneticspaint·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈpeɪntɪŋ/

UK/pˈeɪntɪŋ/

Definitions

01an artwork

A1 · Beginner Countable noun Art

n. a picture that someone has made using paint.

n. a finished work of art created by applying pigment to a surface such as canvas, wood, or paper.

“There is a beautiful painting of a mountain hanging in the living room.”

“The gallery recently acquired an oil painting from the seventeenth century, though the artist remains unidentified despite extensive research.”

02the activity or art form

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Art

n. the hobby or profession of making pictures with paint.

n. the practice or profession of creating art using paint; also the general activity of applying paint to a surface.

“She enjoys painting in her free time because it helps her relax.”

“While some students prefer sculpture, others find that painting allows for a more nuanced exploration of light and shadow.”

Synonyms

fine artillustration

03decorating a surface

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the work of putting paint on things like walls, doors, or furniture.

n. the act of applying a coat of paint to a structure or object for protection or decoration.

“The painting of the house took three days because the weather was so wet.”

“The contract specifies that the exterior painting must be completed before the winter frost sets in to ensure the wood is properly sealed.”

Etymology

By surface analysis, paint + -ing.

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

Word family

NOUN

Idioms

Domain

Art

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/painting

English Reference