impressionist

noun

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

1

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

2

: an entertainer who does impressions

Synonyms

• imitator
• impersonator
• mimic
• 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

The funniest part about that is Lisa Ann Walter is actually a really exceptional impressionist. —Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 16 Apr. 2025

The comedian and impressionist who has done his impressions to the faces of Michael Buble, Jeff Goldblum, Paul Giamatti and more will be at American Comedy Co. 8 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

Johnson was cast as an impressionist who can tackle both Biden and Trump, and he’s been the show’s Trump for a while now. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2024

In last night’s cold open, the SNL cast member James Austin Johnson, the show’s resident Donald Trump impressionist, responded to the dig. —Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025

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