lyrist

[ lahyuhr-ist lir-ist ]

noun

1. a person who plays the lyre or who sings and accompanies their own vocals with a lyre.
2. a lyric poet.

lyrist

noun

1. ˈlaɪərɪst a person who plays the lyre
2. ˈlɪrɪst another word for lyricist

Word History and Origins

Origin of lyrist¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin lyristēs, from Greek lyristḗs; lyre, -ist

Example Sentences

The film does touch on roughly accurate, pivotal moments in Mr. John’s life ranging from being a child prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music to his first meeting with longtime collaborator, lyrist Bernie Taupin; his debut at the Troubadour Club; writing “Your Song” in his mum’s living room; and his triumphant sold-out Dodger Stadium concert.

From Washington Times

Famously, Orfeo, a master poet, singer and lyrist, convincingly serenades Caronte, followed by Pluto, lord of the underworld, begging that love beat death, that his wife go home with him across the river.

From Los Angeles Times

She has said in the past that she sees herself as a lyrist first and singer second.

From BBC

A lyrist playing to a herd of cows masticating their own ignorance, Bella often thought.

From The New Yorker

When the lute player George Xylouris was a teenager — growing up in a mountain village on Crete, not far from the Ideon Cave, where Zeus worshipers have been making pilgrimages since the end of Minoan civilization — he was working as accompanist to his father, the folkloric singer and lyrist Antonis Xylouris.

From New York Times

Related Words

• artist
• author
• dramatist
• lyricist
• writer