pianist

noun

pi·​a·​nist pē-ˈa-nist How to pronounce pianist (audio) ˈpē-ə- How to pronounce pianist (audio)
Synonyms of pianistnext
: a person who plays the piano
especially : a skilled or professional performer on the piano

Examples of pianist in a Sentence

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.
As a treat for Arnault and his wife, Hélène, a concert pianist, the Kushners had arranged for a performance by Andrea Bocelli. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Then the pianist flinched and the leader sprinted off the stage. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 My Heart Sings The pianist and composer performs with members of the Pacific Symphony to engage with Ellington’s work through a contemporary frame. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Along with Louis Armstrong and Dee Alexander, undersung figures — like the dizzyingly talented pianist Dorothy Donegan — also get their due. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pianist

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pianist was in 1817

Rhymes for pianist

See All Rhymes for pianist

Browse Nearby Words

pianissimo
pianist
pianiste
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Cite this Entry

“Pianist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pianist. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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