plural artists
Synonyms of artistnext
1
a
: a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination
the great artists of the Renaissance
an artist specializing in watercolors
b
: a person skilled in any of the arts
I can't draw at all, but both of my children are very talented artists.
2
: a skilled performer
a trapeze artist
especially : a musical or theatrical entertainer : artiste
a jazz artist
3
: a person who is very good at something
a scam artist
a strikeout artist
4
a
obsolete : one skilled or versed in learned arts
b
archaic : physician
c
archaic : artisan sense 1

Examples of artist in a Sentence

the great artists of the Renaissance a pitcher who is a strikeout artist
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.
Organizers said a full program and guest artists will be announced later. City News Service, Daily News, 7 July 2026 Some artists leave a stark contrast between matte and glossy designs, while others go in with one final, shiny top coat over the whole nail. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026 The suit alleges that Matsumiya was given a formal demand for payment in May and that the artist still did not receive payment. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026 Riggle attended with golfer/artist Kasia Kay, who shared a photo on Saturday. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for artist

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French artiste "person practicing a craft, student of the liberal arts," borrowed from Medieval Latin artista "artificer, student of the liberal arts," from Latin art-, ars "acquired skill, art entry 1" + -ista -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 4c

Time Traveler
The first known use of artist was in 1563

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Artist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a person skilled in one of the arts (as painting, sculpture, music, or writing)
2
: a person showing unusual ability in an occupation requiring skill

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