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

The drummer and lyricist for beloved Canadian hard-rock trio Rush was widely considered one of rock’s most skilled instrumentalists.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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Related Words

• composer 
• musician 
• poet 
• songwriter