impressionist

American  

[im-presh-uh-nist] / ɪmˈprɛʃ ə nɪst /

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.

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adjective

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

   Impressionist paintings; Impressionist artists.

impressionist British  

/ ɪmˈprɛʃənɪst /

noun

1. (usually capital) any of the French painters of the late 19th century who were exponents of impressionism

2. (sometimes capital) any artist, composer, or writer who uses impressionism

3. an entertainer who impersonates famous people

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adjective

1. (often capital) denoting, of, or relating to impressionism or the exponents of this style

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of impressionist

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

Example Sentences

British paintings with repeat sales posted the best mean return of 3.4%, followed by impressionist works with 3.1%.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

In July 2006, Manhattan prosecutors charged Doyle with the theft of a bronze sculpture of a nude dancer by French impressionist Edgar Degas valued at $600,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

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 • May 20, 2025

Lu’s songwriting is more impressionist than hook-driven, writing quickly to capture ephemeral feelings.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2024

From the employee side of the window, the outside world looked fluid, all the people on the other side wavy, like an impressionist watercolor.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• classicist
• writer