impressionist

[im-presh-uh-nist]

noun

1. a person who follows or adheres to the theories, methods, and practices of impressionism, especially in the fields of painting, music, or literature.

2. an entertainer who does impressions.

adjective

1. (usually initial capital letter),  of, relating to, or characteristic of Impressionism.

   Impressionist paintings; Impressionist artists.

Other Word Forms

• impressionistic adjective
• impressionistically adverb
• nonimpressionistic adjective
• semi-impressionistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impressionist¹

From the French word impressionniste, dating back to 1875–80. See impression, -ist

Example Sentences

The former contains a painting of the local windmills by French impressionist Claude Monet, who visited in 1871.

From BBC

Simon’s band members for this stint — a dozen or so strong, spanning percussion, woodwinds and guitars — were mostly impressionists during this portion, adding distant bells and chamber flourishes to the patina of these songs.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s packed with ideas from all over the American songbook — Aaron Copland and western folk, run through with Wilson’s own cracked impressionist view of life on the rails.

From Los Angeles Times

Born in Worcestershire in 1958, Sir Lenny has been performing since he was 16 years old, first as an impressionist on a TV talent show and then as a stand-up comedian.

From BBC

A Donald Trump impressionist has said his phone did not stop ringing after the result of the 2024 US presidential election.

From BBC

Related Words

• classicist 
• writer