mosaic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “mosaic” mean?
A picture or pattern made by arranging together many small pieces of coloured stone, tile, glass, or other materials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A picture or pattern made by arranging together many small pieces of coloured stone, tile, glass, or other materials.
Anything resembling such a picture in composition, especially something composed of diverse elements forming a unified, often complex whole (e.g., a mosaic of cultures, data mosaic). In biology, an organism or tissue exhibiting mosaicism (cells of different genetic composition).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation differences in the vowel of the first syllable and stress pattern (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of artistry, diversity, and fragmentation/reassembly.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects. Slightly more common in UK in historical/archaeological contexts; slightly more common in US in metaphorical 'cultural mosaic' discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “mosaic” in a Sentence
mosaic of [plural noun] (e.g., a mosaic of cultures)mosaic made of/from [material]mosaic depicting [subject]to mosaic [something] together (technical verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mosaic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software can mosaic the aerial photographs to create a seamless map.
- They mosaicked the fragments of the ancient floor.
American English
- The program mosaics the satellite images for analysis.
- She mosaicked the ceramic pieces onto the tabletop.
adverb
British English
- The data was arranged mosaicly across the screen. (Rare/Technical)
American English
- The communities are distributed mosaicly across the region. (Rare/Technical)
adjective
British English
- The mosaic flooring in the villa was spectacular.
- They studied mosaic viruses affecting crops.
American English
- The mosaic tile work in the entryway is original.
- The study focused on mosaic genetic traits.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The market is a mosaic of niche segments.'
Academic
Common in art history, archaeology, sociology ('social mosaic'), genetics ('genetic mosaic'), and remote sensing ('pixel mosaic').
Everyday
Refers to decorative art, crafts, or describing a mix of things: 'The garden was a mosaic of colours.'
Technical
In digital imaging: combining image tiles. In virology: 'mosaic virus'. In cartography: merging map sheets.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mosaic”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mosaic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mosaic”
- Misspelling as 'mosiac' or 'mosaique'.
- Using as a verb in non-technical contexts (e.g., 'I mosaiced the photos' is awkward).
- Confusing with 'kaleidoscope' (which implies changing patterns).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a B2-level word, common in descriptive, academic, and artistic contexts.
Yes, but its use is primarily technical (e.g., in cartography, graphics, or archaeology). In everyday language, 'create a mosaic' or 'assemble a mosaic' is more natural.
A mosaic is typically made from hard, often geometric pieces (stone, glass) to form an image. A collage is made from overlaying softer, varied materials (paper, fabric, photographs) and may be more abstract.
It describes an individual or tissue with cells of two or more different genetic constitutions, arising from mutations during development.
A picture or pattern made by arranging together many small pieces of coloured stone, tile, glass, or other materials.
Mosaic is usually formal to neutral in register.
Mosaic: in British English it is pronounced /məʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mosaic of... (metaphorical)”
- “Piece together the mosaic (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Moses saw a beautiful IC (Integrated Circuit) board' -> MOSAIC. Both are made of many small pieces forming a picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPLEX SYSTEM IS A MOSAIC (composed of many interconnected, distinct parts).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mosaic' used to describe a composite image made from many smaller images?