vocalist
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of vocalist
Explanation
Another word for a singer is a vocalist. A large band might include a dozen musicians, a lead vocalist, and a couple of backup vocalists to harmonize. In jazz, it's particularly common to refer to singers as vocalists — it's a way to emphasize that they are musicians, just like the saxophonist and drummer, only a vocalist's instrument is her voice. A guest vocalist might appear on your favorite band's new album, or a band might hire backing vocalists when they perform live. In the early 17th century, this word meant "speaker." It wasn't until the 19th century that the meaning changed to "singer."
Vocabulary lists containing vocalist
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With multiple albums under her belt, Selena was then able to dominate the Tejano Music Awards; she won the title of Female Vocalist of the Year in 1987.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025
Come learn why Greta Matassa was named the 2021 Northwest Jazz Vocalist of the Year by Earshot Jazz as she performs new contemporary jazz material with her recent sextet.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2023
Vocalist Jeffery Kenny sang between two backup dancers wearing gas masks as images of nuclear warning signs displayed on screens behind them.
From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2022
Vocalist Jay Littleton hauntingly sings, “All these words will burn in time / promises of holding the line.”
From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2022
It is rare now in sheet-music form but the American Vocalist, to be found in the stores 290 / 246 of most great music publishers and dealers, preserves the full poem and score.
From The Story of the Hymns and Tunes by Brown, Theron
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
