instrumentalist

noun

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

Synonyms of instrumentalist

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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.
Dressed in all white, the trio stood center stage as dancers twirled golden flags, backed by Korean instrumentalists and traditional choreography. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026 It would later be covered by Connie Francis, Peggy Lee, and instrumentalist Joe Harnell. — David Morgan, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Coleman’s harmolodic theory — in which melody, harmony and rhythm are each treated as equal components to be performed simultaneously by each instrumentalist in a group — had a profound effect on Ulmer. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 The neighborhood band, a community effort, draws 20 to 30 instrumentalists each year and rehearses just once, 30 minutes before the procession. — Georgia Ross, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing instrumentalist

Rhymes for instrumentalist

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Browse Nearby Words

instrumentalism
instrumentalist
instrumentality
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Cite this Entry

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

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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

Nglish: Translation of instrumentalist for Spanish Speakers

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