impressionist

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ist im-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist 

1

often Impressionist : someone (such as a painter) who practices or adheres to the theories of impressionism

2

: an entertainer who does impressions

Synonyms of impressionist

• performer
• actor
• entertainer
• imitator
• impersonator
• personator

Examples of impressionist in a Sentence

a celebrated impressionist who can do enough rapid-fire imitations to populate an entire stage with characters

Recent Examples on the Web

What 19th-century artist known for her paintings of mothers and children was the only American to exhibit with the (mostly French) Impressionists? —Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026

My first visit was in 1995 for a retrospective of 19th century Impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte. —David Allen, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026

Upstairs, impressionists, writers, socialites, and painters who moved in Proust’s orbit, from Sarah Bernhardt to Emile Zola and Claude Monet, lent their names to a room or suite. —Lindsey Tramuta, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026

The awards show is set for March 31, with stand-up comedian, actor and impressionist Matt Friend as host. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for impressionist

• expressionist
• secessionist

Kids Definition

impressionist

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ist im-ˈpresh-(ə-)nəst 

1

often capitalized : a person (as a painter) who practices impressionism

2

: an entertainer who does impressions