instrumentalist

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​ist ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ist 

1

: a player on a musical instrument

2

: an exponent of instrumentalism

instrumentalist adjective

Synonyms of instrumentalist

• musician
• artist
• performer

Examples of instrumentalist in a Sentence

he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist

Recent Examples on the Web

Among thrash metal’s Big Four, which includes Metallica, Megadeth Slayer, and Anthrax, Megadeth have always stood out for having superb instrumentalists throughout its career. —Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

This year’s lineup will feature 18 instrumentalists and singers, including Bryan Shaw, Dan Barrett, Danny Coots, Dawn Lambeth, Duke Heitger, Harry Allen, Jason Fabus, Jason Wanner and Jon-Erik Kellso. —Holly Alvarado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

The nonprofit's competitions are open to junior, intermediate and advanced levels for instrumentalists, vocalists, duets and chamber ensembles. —Beth Reese Cravey, Florida Times-Union, 20 Jan. 2026

Jeff Buckley initially focused all his energy on guitar, becoming an acclaimed instrumentalist. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instrumentalist

• multi-instrumentalist

Rhymes for instrumentalist

• fundamentalist
• orientalist
• transcendentalist
• environmentalist
• experimentalist
• gentlest

Kids Definition

instrumentalist

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​ist ˌin(t)-strə-ˈment-ᵊl-əst 

: a person who plays a musical instrument