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noun

calligraphy

kuh-LIHG-ruh-fee

Calligraphy (noun) means the art of decorative, stylized handwriting; also, writing produced in this style. Example: “She studied Japanese calligraphy for years before opening her own studio.”

noun
1
The art of decorative, stylized handwriting; also, writing produced in this style.
"She studied Japanese calligraphy for years before opening her own studio."
"The wedding invitations were addressed in elegant calligraphy."

How to use calligraphy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDecorative, artistic handwriting, often done with special pens or brushes.

Common pairings
practice calligraphy calligraphy pen a calligraphy class

Word forms

calligraphies plural

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She studied Japanese _____ for years before opening her own studio.

Etymology

From Greek kalligraphia, literally "beautiful writing," from kallos ("beauty") and graphein ("to write").

Origin: Greek

Related words

Rhymes for calligraphy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “calligraphy” mean?

The word “calligraphy” means the art of decorative, stylized handwriting; also, writing produced in this style. In plain terms, decorative, artistic handwriting, often done with special pens or brushes.

How do you pronounce “calligraphy”?

“Calligraphy” is pronounced kuh-LIHG-ruh-fee (/kəˈlɪɡɹəfi/ in IPA).

How do you use “calligraphy” in a sentence?

Here is “calligraphy” used in a sentence: “She studied Japanese calligraphy for years before opening her own studio.”

What is another word for “calligraphy”?

Words with a similar meaning to “calligraphy” include chirography and penmanship.

What part of speech is “calligraphy”?

“Calligraphy” is a noun.

Where does the word “calligraphy” come from?

The word “calligraphy” comes from Greek. From Greek kalligraphia, literally "beautiful writing," from kallos ("beauty") and graphein ("to write").

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