essayist

[ es-ey-ist ]

noun

1. a writer of essays.

essayist

/ ˈɛseɪɪst /

noun

1. a person who writes essays

Word History and Origins

Origin of essayist¹

First recorded in 1600–10; essay + -ist

Example Sentences

Jill Schary Robinson, a novelist, memoirist, essayist and journalist who was also daughter to one Hollywood executive and mother to another one, died Saturday in Beverly Hills, her family confirmed to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact that the essayist's most famous observation has survived for 170 years and is still quoted so widely today is a testament to its relatability - but also of how little progress has been made.

From BBC

Several essayists have described common characteristics of the “Star Wars” generation in terms of its existence at a technological turning point.

From Salon

Despite the essayist being kicked out of the house by his wife five times, the couple managed to remain married and learn that a relationship can mean trying together and failing together.

From New York Times

“Palestine’s poets, scholars, novelists and journalists and essayists have risked everything, including their lives and the lives of their families, to share their words with the world,” the letter reads in part.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• author
• biographer
• columnist
• correspondent
• critic
• dramatist
• editor
• journalist
• novelist
• poet
• reporter
• screenwriter