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

Makayla Binter is the community engagement manager for Charlotte is Creative, a nonprofit that works with local artists to help develop and run their businesses. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Awards recognized visual artists, hip-hop performers, nonprofit organizations, vocalists, business owners, educators, fitness professionals, beauty industry workers and community advocates. — Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

As the teams rotate through all the stations, Kaylin is under a lot of pressure as first the only guesser, then the only artist, then the only performer. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026

The artist duo Motus created the murals in each room to depict the connection between Kabutocho's history and its present, with palettes ranging from spring green to lake blue. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 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