performance art

noun

: a nontraditional art form often with political or topical themes that typically features a live presentation to an audience or onlookers (as on a street) and draws on such arts as acting, poetry, music, dance, or painting
performance artist noun

Examples of performance art in a Sentence

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The oldest African American Baptist church in the city is close to being purchased and repurposed into a performance art center. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026 Dealer Jeffrey Deitch tried first, with Artstar, on the Gallery HD network, as early as 2005, with guests including curator Debra Singer, critic Carlo McCormick, and performance art guru RoseLee Goldberg. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The artist and activist has used performance art to challenge the government and advocate for civil liberties using the Cuban flag, demonstrations, and acts of civil disobedience. — News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 2026 One artist who inspired Kelela’s approach to world-building is her close friend Solange Knowles, a polymath whose work includes music, performance art, design, teaching and amplifying Black artistry through her Saint Heron platform. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for performance art

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of performance art was in 1971

Rhymes for performance art

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Browse Nearby Words

performance
performance art
performance-enhancing drug
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Cite this Entry

“Performance art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance%20art. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on performance art

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about performance art

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