instrumentalist

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​ist ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ist How to pronounce instrumentalist (audio)
1
: a player on a musical instrument
2
: an exponent of instrumentalism
instrumentalist adjective

Examples of instrumentalist in a Sentence

he excels as a conductor, a composer, and as an instrumentalist
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This week, triple threat singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Karley Scott Collins makes a solid introduction on her debut project Flight Risk. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025 Yet, McBride — one of the top instrumentalists and band leaders in all of jazz today — also delivered the goods during his own 75-minute set with his versatile band Ursa Major. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025 For over three decades, Raphael Saadiq has been celebrated as a versatile multi-skilled artist, producer, instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter—one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary pop, R&B, and soul. Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 Skeptical in the sense that TOOL are four members, and despite Keenan’s eagerness to put out more TOOL music soon, the band’s instrumentalists have to be on the same page as well. Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instrumentalist

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instrumentalist was in 1814

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Cite this Entry

“Instrumentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrumentalist. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

instrumentalist

noun
in·​stru·​men·​tal·​ist ˌin(t)-strə-ˈment-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce instrumentalist (audio)
: a person who plays a musical instrument

More from Merriam-Webster on instrumentalist

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