instrumentalist

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​ist ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ist How to pronounce instrumentalist (audio)
1
: a player on a musical instrument
2
: an exponent of instrumentalism
instrumentalist adjective

Examples of instrumentalist in a Sentence

he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist
Recent Examples on the Web This concert featured Black Juilliard singers and instrumentalists who celebrated the work of Black artists and composers. Jane Levere, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 One of the key instrumentalists in popularizing the one drop rhythm, an authentic recapturing of Carly’s drum playing proved to be a microcosm of the One Love cast’s commitment to taking pride in every detail of the film’s music scenes. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024 She is described as an instrumentalist who is not from the United States and has performed at Carnegie Hall. EW.com, 8 Nov. 2023 The instrumentalists and dancers work in tandem, with the music cuing specific steps and the person under the lion’s tail following the dancer under the head. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 The unnamed woman is described in the suit as an instrumentalist from outside the United States and was and still is a resident of New York. Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2023 That’s a rare kind of a multi-show run for a jazz instrumentalist to enjoy, well, basically anywhere outside of New York City. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2024 Opus 3 Artists’ roster includes instrumentalists, vocalists, conductors, composers, chamber music ensembles, and touring chamber and symphony orchestras. Marc Schneider, Billboard, 1 Dec. 2023 Although Wham!’s holiday song continues to be one of their most beloved hits after nearly four decades, Michael and singer-songwriter/instrumentalist Andrew Ridgeley’s band's legacy goes far beyond the track. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instrumentalist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instrumentalist was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near instrumentalist

Cite this Entry

“Instrumentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrumentalist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

instrumentalist

noun
in·​stru·​men·​tal·​ist ˌin(t)-strə-ˈment-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce instrumentalist (audio)
: a person who plays a musical instrument

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