impressionist

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ist im-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce impressionist (audio)
1
often capitalized : someone (such as a painter) who practices or adheres to the theories of impressionism
2
: an entertainer who does impressions

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 Another theory is that as a filmmaker, Hong has often been compared to a painter, in particular the impressionists. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 The zany impressionist even won over clown disparager Cowell. USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2023 And more than that, an impressionist who liked painting bathing ladies? John Semley, The New Republic, 2 Feb. 2023 The star of the controversial HBO music biz drama The Idol proclaimed herself a big fan of the master SNL impressionist’s take on the series’ chain-smoking, micro-bikini-wearing protagonist, Jocelyn after Fineman posted a killer clip sending up the show’s dark vibe. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 June 2023 Charles Tomlinson Griffes, a pioneering American impressionist who lived from 1884 to 1920, was represented by his 1919 tone poem, The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan, inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem Kubla Khan. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 22 Apr. 2023 The collection includes some of the Dutch impressionist’s most iconic works, and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 with special exhibitions and programs. ELLE, 22 Apr. 2023 And more than that, an impressionist? John Semley, The New Republic, 2 Feb. 2023 Merissa Beddows: Singer and impressionist. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impressionist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impressionist was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near impressionist

Cite this Entry

“Impressionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impressionist. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

impressionist

noun
im·​pres·​sion·​ist im-ˈpresh-(ə-)nəst How to pronounce impressionist (audio)
1
often capitalized : a person (as a painter) who practices impressionism
2
: an entertainer who does impressions

More from Merriam-Webster on impressionist

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