WordGarden.iomural
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mjˈʊrəl/
US
- /ˈmjʊrəl/
Meanings
Noun
a large painting or other artwork made directly on a wall or ceiling
Adjective
relating to or attached to a wall
Beyond the definition
Imagine walking through a city and suddenly noticing a huge painted scene spread across the side of a building. That is likely a mural. It is not just any painting; it is made directly on a wall, ceiling, or another large permanent surface. You might think of ancient wall paintings or the colorful art seen in places like Mexico City. Murals can tell stories, share ideas, honor history, or simply make a public space feel more alive.
A mural is a piece of artwork painted directly onto a wall, ceiling, or other large permanent surface. Unlike an easel painting, which can be moved, a mural is the wall – it's integrated into the architecture itself. The word "mural" comes from the Latin word "murus," meaning wall.
Historically, murals have been used for centuries to decorate and tell stories. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mayans created elaborate murals within tombs and temples. In Renaissance Italy, artists like Michelangelo painted stunning frescoes (a type of mural) on church ceilings.
Today, murals are often found in public spaces such as city streets, schools, and community centers. They may appear as street art, social commentary, memorial art, or simple decoration. They can be commissioned by local governments, created by individual artists, or developed through community projects. Murals are not limited to paint either; some modern ones use mosaics, tiles, or other materials.
Whether it's a detailed historical scene, an abstract explosion of color, or a powerful political statement, a mural is more than just decoration – it's a visual narrative woven into the fabric of our surroundings.
Examples
- 1
Playground wall
A bright mural covers the wall behind the playground.
- 2
Local artists
Local artists painted a mural on the side of the library.
- 3
Cafe decor
The new cafe has a mural of the old neighborhood near the entrance.
- 4
Community project
The city asked residents to suggest ideas for a community mural.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Tourism
Tourists stop to take photos in front of the murals downtown.
See also
Similar
- wall painting
- wall art
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- canvas painting
Used with (collocations)
- paint a mural
- community mural
- mural artist
- restored mural
Word family
- muralist
Explore
- public art
- street art
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- muralnounadjective
Forms
- muralspluralnounadjective