essayist

noun

es·​say·​ist ˈe-ˌsā-ist How to pronounce essayist (audio)
Synonyms of essayistnext
: a writer of essays

Examples of essayist in a Sentence

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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.
Jaime Green is a science writer and essayist. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026 Senna is a novelist and essayist. — Time, 27 May 2026 As a poet, novelist, and essayist, Wendell Berry is one of the great modern voices of agrarian values. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026 James Baldwin, a poet, activist and essayist, is one of the most influential figures in American history. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for essayist

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of essayist was in 1601

Rhymes for essayist

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Browse Nearby Words

essay examination
essayist
essayistic
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Cite this Entry

“Essayist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essayist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

essayist

noun
es·​say·​ist ˈes-ˌā-əst How to pronounce essayist (audio)
: a writer of essays

More from Merriam-Webster on essayist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for essayist

Nglish: Translation of essayist for Spanish Speakers

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