composer

American  

[kuhm-poh-zer] / kəmˈpoʊ zər /

noun

1. a person or thing that composes.

2. a person who writes music.

3. an author.

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composer British  

/ kəmˈpəʊzə /

noun

1. a person who composes music

2. a person or machine that composes anything, esp type for printing

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Etymology

Origin of composer

First recorded in 1555–65; compose + -er ¹

Explanation

A composer is an artist who writes music to be played or performed by musicians. A classical composer might work by writing out musical notation and trying things out on the piano. If you're a composer, you most likely write classical, jazz, music for film, or another type of primarily instrumental music, without lyrics. A writer of popular or rock music is more likely to be called a "songwriter." A composer might compose symphonies as a profession, or write short tunes as a hobby. In Old French, composer means "put together, arrange, or write," from com-, "with," and poser, "to place."

Example Sentences

The Los Angeles Philharmonic will name the Hollywood Bowl’s stage for the 93-year-old composer, whose music for “Star Wars” and “E.T.” helped define modern cinema.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

As John Williams, Hitchcock’s last composer, told me in an interview in 2003, music is not only a Hitchcock signature, but a presence, very much like a character.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

He lived his 81 years as conductor, pianist, composer, educator and media personality promoting that hope, and died Wednesday having shown how hope is done.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Mr. Gibbs credits Wadada Leo Smith, the trumpeter and composer, with suggesting he document his path and purpose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The second stage was accompanied by an acknowledgement that any young composer hoping to make a splash on the opera world would need to be daring and - if possible - a little shocking.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• writer