lyricist

[ lir-uh-sist ]

noun

1. a person who writes the lyrics for songs.
2. a lyric poet.

lyricist

/ ˈlɪrɪsɪst /

noun

1. a person who writes the words for a song, opera, or musical play
2. Also calledlyrist a lyric poet

Word History and Origins

Origin of lyricist¹

First recorded in 1880–85; lyric + -ist

Example Sentences

A critic’s tribute to Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, a master of storytelling in song.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that she’s an accomplished lyricist, she pays more attention to the written word.

From Los Angeles Times

Payne, a gifted lyricist and voracious listener, had a steeper climb to find his own sound.

From Los Angeles Times

These revisions were done by the Disney title’s original composer, Alan Menken, and lyricist Jack Feldman, as well as Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the book for the hit stage show that debuted on Broadway in 2012.

From Los Angeles Times

The lyricist renowned for his long partnership with Elton John admires the siblings’ “winning combination of originality and classic songwriting” and says they’ve left “undeniably unique fingerprints on their own generation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• composer
• musician
• poet
• songwriter