accompanist

[ uh-kuhm-puh-nist, uh-kuhmp-nist ]

noun

1. Music. a person who plays an accompaniment.

accompanist

/ əˈkʌmpəniːɪst; əˈkʌmpnɪst; əˈkʌmpənɪst /

noun

1. a person who plays a musical accompaniment for another performer, esp a pianist accompanying a singer

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompanist¹

First recorded in 1825–35; accompan(y) + -ist

Example Sentences

As they went along, though, Church and his accompanists picked up a righteous steam.

From Los Angeles Times

Not to be forgotten: associate music director and pianist Riley Brule, who transcends the role of accompanist with a few choice interjections and a sight gag involving a pair of moose antlers.

From Seattle Times

Faint piano music filled the space from the accompanist playing for a different class down the hall.

From Literature

When it’s multiple scenes and a dance, ‘Sing an original song’ — that requires a lot of effort, to sit down with music, hire an accompanist, learn choreography — anything under 24 hours feels disrespectful.

From Los Angeles Times

“My mom has a gorgeous voice, so much of my function learning piano growing up was to be her accompanist.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• artist
• crooner
• diva
• musician
• soloist
• vocalist
• voice