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

My heroes are Irving Berlin and Cole Porter — those economic lyrists who nailed a sentiment in a scene through a song.

From Salon

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

As a pastoral lyrist Herrick stands first among English poets.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• artist
• author
• dramatist
• lyricist
• writer