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

The sessions were a catalyst from which a collection of cosmically aligned instrumentalists that included Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, and Thundercat released a rush of envelope-pushing jazz fusion music that both inspired and took inspiration from the Black Lives Matter movement. —Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026

Community members of all ages are invited to participate as soloists, duets, small groups or instrumentalists. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

The latter features performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists and other creators actively working in the recording industry. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026

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

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