A mural is a piece of graphic artwork that is painted or applied directly to a wall, ceiling, or other permanent substrate. Mural techniques include fresco, mosaic, graffiti, and marouflage. The term "mural" comes from the Latin word "murus," meaning wall.

Mural painting is inherently different from all other forms of pictorial art in that it is organically connected with architecture. The use of color, design, and thematic treatment can radically alter the sensation of spatial proportions of the building. In this sense, mural is the only form of painting that is truly three-dimensional, since it modifies and partakes of a given space.

Murals can be a relatively effective tool of social emancipation or achieving a political goal. They have sometimes been created against the law or have been commissioned by local bars and coffee shops. Often, the visual effects are an enticement to attract public attention to social issues. State-sponsored public art expressions, particularly murals, are often used by totalitarian regimes as a tool of propaganda.

Tile murals are murals made out of stone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and/or metal tiles that are installed within or added onto the surface of an existing wall.

In summary, murals are a form of graphic artwork that is painted or applied directly to a wall, ceiling, or other permanent substrate. They can be created using various techniques and can serve as a tool for social emancipation, political goals, or propaganda.