bassist

American  

[bey-sist] / ˈbeɪ sɪst /

noun

1. a singer with a bass voice.

2. a player of a bass instrument, especially of the bass viol.

---

bassist British  

/ ˈbeɪsɪst /

noun

1. a player of a double bass, esp in a jazz band

---

Etymology

Origin of bassist

First recorded in 1865–70; bass ¹ + -ist

Explanation

If you're a musician who plays a standup bass or a bass guitar, you're a bassist. All bassists play instruments with deep, low tones, and the word derives from a Latin root meaning "low." In a rock band, the bassist and drummer provide the rhythm that forms a song's foundation — and the bassist also plays notes that harmonize with the guitar, keyboards, and any other instruments. Classical and jazz bassists do something similar, but they have to stand up while they're playing.

Example Sentences

Mr. Gibbs, a bassist, had already earned a reputation as a singular player whose dazzling technique and breadth of influences helped foment more than one musical revolution in New York City.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The team, which included Brian MacDonald, the bassist from the American band PVRIS, were doing the ride for charity Nordoff and Robbins.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

“We have the same basic music tastes and kind of grew up together,” bassist Petersson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Bad Omens — with singer Noah Sebastian, bassist Nicholas Ruffilo, guitarist Joakim Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio — are not brand new.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Turns out I will not become a bassist today.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon