1 [noncount] : something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings
▪ a piece of modern/contemporary art ▪ It's a remarkable picture, but is it art? — see also op-art, performance art, pop art, work of art 2 [noncount] : works created by artists : paintings, sculptures, etc., that are created to be beautiful or to express important ideas or feelings
▪ the art [=artwork] of Salvador Dalí ▪ The museum has a large collection of folk art. ▪ African/Japanese/Mayan art — often used before another noun ▪ art history ▪ art objects ▪ an art museum/gallery ▪ an art collector/lover ▪ She prefers art films to Hollywood blockbusters. — see also arts and crafts 3 [noncount] : the methods and skills used for painting, sculpting, drawing, etc.
▪ He studied art in college. — often used before another noun ▪ an art teacher/program 4 a [count] : an activity that is done to create something beautiful or to express important ideas or feelings
▪ She studied the art of drawing/painting/dance. ▪ dance, drama, and other art forms ▪ the performing/visual/graphic arts — see also fine art
b the arts : painting, sculpture, music, theater, literature, etc., considered as a group of activities done by people with skill and imagination
▪ She's a patron of the arts. ▪ He wants the government to increase its funding for the arts. — see also performing arts 5 [count] : a skill that someone learns through experience or study — usually singular ▪ He never learned the art of making friends. [=he never learned how to make friends] ▪ She's a master of the art of conversation. [=she is very good at conversation] ▪ There's an art to cooking that comes only with practice. ▪ Writing letters has become something of a lost art. [=not many people write letters any more] ◊If you raise/elevate something to an art (form) you are known for doing something or having something (such as a personal quality). This phrase is often used in an ironic or joking way to describe qualities or abilities that are not admired.
▪ He seems to have elevated stupidity to an art form. [=he is very stupid] 6 [count] : an activity that requires special knowledge or skill
▪ Shipbuilding is both an art and a science. ▪ the art of navigation — see also martial art 7 arts [plural] : areas of study (such as history, language, and literature) that are intended to develop the mind in a general way : liberal arts
▪ a bachelor of arts ▪ the College of Arts and Sciences