artist

noun

art·​ist ˈär-tist 

plural artists

1

a

: a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination

the great artists of the Renaissance

an artist specializing in watercolors

b

: a person skilled in any of the arts

I can't draw at all, but both of my children are very talented artists.

2

: a skilled performer

a trapeze artist

especially : a musical or theatrical entertainer : artiste

a jazz artist

3

: a person who is very good at something

a scam artist

a strikeout artist

4

a

obsolete : one skilled or versed in learned arts

b

archaic : physician

c

archaic : artisan sense 1

Synonyms of artist

• expert
• scholar
• master
• virtuoso
• adept
• wizard
• guru

Examples of artist in a Sentence

the great artists of the Renaissance

a pitcher who is a strikeout artist

Recent Examples on the Web

And the outdoor sculpture garden showcases over 100 Californian artists in a sprawling, bucolic setting. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026

The Los Angeles artist, whose real name was James Dear, died Sunday at a private residence, according to the the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Feb. 2026

With the artist legacy a firm part of its past, Faries wants to make expanding the mediums that art is showcased in part of Blizzard’s future. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026

There’s some star power in the roster for outstanding music artists, a list that includes Lady Gaga, Elton John and Brandi Carlile for the joint record, Maren Morris, Reneé Rapp, Conan Gray, Durand Bernarr, Ethel Cain, G Flip, Ty Herndon and Young Miko. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French artiste "person practicing a craft, student of the liberal arts," borrowed from Medieval Latin artista "artificer, student of the liberal arts," from Latin art-, ars "acquired skill, art entry 1" + -ista -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 4c

Phrases Containing artist

• con artist
• Conceptual artist
• escape artist
• flimflam artist/man
• paleo-artist
• Pop artist
• recording artist

Rhymes for artist

• chartist
• smartest
• bonapartist

Kids Definition

artist

noun

art·​ist ˈärt-əst 

1

: a person skilled in one of the arts (as painting, sculpture, music, or writing)

2

: a person showing unusual ability in an occupation requiring skill