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

More astounding, he managed to persuade Sondheim, the show’s lyricist, to regale an awe-struck high school drama club with anecdotes about his missteps.

From Los Angeles Times

And I might, but I’d rather go back to Broadway next as a creator, as a composer and lyricist, producer, musical director and all of that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Swift's greatest gift as a lyricist is the way she weaves her own story into her songs, balancing intricate, specific detail with universal themes of love, hope, heartbreak and betrayal.

From BBC

As the band’s most fluent English speaker, the rapper, lyricist and producer’s acerbic wit helped ground the group’s sound, and his team deeply feels his absence.

From Los Angeles Times

That eventually led him to form Black Sabbath with schoolfriend and guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward.

From BBC

Related Words

• composer 
• musician 
• poet 
• songwriter