putto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Art Historical)Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “putto” mean?
A figure in art, especially Renaissance and Baroque, of a naked, chubby male child, often winged.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A figure in art, especially Renaissance and Baroque, of a naked, chubby male child, often winged.
In broader art historical contexts, a decorative motif representing infantile or cherubic figures, commonly used in ornamental sculpture, frescoes, and architectural details to symbolize innocence, love, or divine presence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialist in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of high culture, Renaissance art, and classical aesthetics.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse; frequency is identical and confined to art historical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “putto” in a Sentence
The [material] putto [verb]...A putto [prepositional phrase]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Standard term in art history, architecture, and classical studies papers and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone describing art in detail.
Technical
Precise term in auction catalogues, museum descriptions, art restoration, and academic texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “putto”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “putto”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “putto”
- Misspelling as 'puto' (which is a Spanish insult).
- Using 'cherub' interchangeably in strict academic writing.
- Incorrect pluralisation as 'puttos' (correct is 'putti').
- Mispronouncing with a /ʌ/ sound (as in 'putt') instead of /ʊ/ (as in 'book').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In strict art terminology, a 'putto' is a secular or decorative figure of a infant child, often from classical mythology. A 'cherub' is a specific order of angel in Christian iconography. However, in casual conversation, 'cherub' is often used to describe any winged infant figure, including putti.
The plural is 'putti', following the original Italian pluralisation.
Typically, no. Putti are specifically male child figures. Female infant figures in similar contexts would generally not be termed putti.
It originates from Italian, where 'putto' means 'boy' or 'child'.
A figure in art, especially Renaissance and Baroque, of a naked, chubby male child, often winged.
Putto is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Putto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊtoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'putto' as a 'put' together toddler in art – a plump, often 'putti' (plural) decorative child.
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE IS A WINGED CHILD; DIVINE PRESENCE IS AN INFANTILE FORM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of use for the word 'putto'?