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 called: lyrist. a lyric poet

Word History and Origins

Origin of lyricist¹

First recorded in 1880–85; lyric + -ist

Example Sentences

Kim Seok-jung once cleared the home of a late lyricist and found a set of songs she had not shared with her relatives.

Read more on Barron's

By contrast "Blue Moon," in cinemas now, depicts Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart at the end of his career.

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The "first owners" of the lyrics and musical composition are the "authors" - the lyricists and composers, respectively.

Read more on BBC

Because Mr. Parker processes his voice so heavily, it’s easy to forget that he’s a distinctive lyricist—his words are resonant even as the arrangements keep one’s ear on the gleaming surfaces.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Here, there’s only a poignantly egoless transparency, exposing the lyricist’s personal flaws — his drunkenness, his arrogance — while capturing the fragile soulfulness that made those Rodgers and Hart tunes sing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• composer 
• musician 
• poet 
• songwriter