composer

noun

com·​pos·​er kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce composer (audio)
Synonyms of composernext
: one that composes
especially : a person who writes music

Examples of composer in a Sentence

She prefers Mozart and Beethoven to modern composers. a versatile composer whose works include operas, symphonies, concertos, and sonatas
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But then what is a biographer to do with John Williams, one of the greatest composers of our or anybody’s lifetime, but also one of the most avuncular? Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025 In October, the outlet also reported that composer John Williams would score the movie, marking his 30th overall collaboration with Spielberg over the course of their careers. Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025 Joseph Byrd, the co-founder, composer, and bandleader of the psych-rock outfit United States of America, has died, reports The New York Times. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 Dec. 2025 The group included the Broadway producer Harold Prince, the playwright Arthur Laurents, the composer Mary Rodgers, and the actors Lee Remick and Roddy McDowall. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composer

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composer was in 1597

Cite this Entry

“Composer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composer. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

composer

noun
com·​pos·​er kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce composer (audio)
: one that composes
especially : a person who writes music

More from Merriam-Webster on composer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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