melodist

American  

[mel-uh-dist] / ˈmɛl ə dɪst /

noun

1. a composer or a singer of melodies.

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melodist British  

/ ˈmɛlədɪst /

noun

1. a composer of melodies

2. a singer

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Etymology

Origin of melodist

First recorded in 1780–90; melod(y) + -ist

Example Sentences

But the Romanian conductor happens to be music director of the Cabrillo Festival, which was founded by Lou Harrison, California’s great melodist and eclectic.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2022

He followed it with a nod to another great melodist, Ornette Coleman.

From Washington Post • Nov. 14, 2021

Mandel was primarily a melodist and would seek out lyricists for his songs.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2020

We think of Bernstein as a melodist, and it’s true that the vocal lines of “West Side Story” are gorgeous, even when they’re spiky.

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2018

East Florida includes a long peninsula, and extends westward to the Suwanee River, concerning which the negro melodist delights to sing.

From My Native Land The United States: its Wonders, its Beauties, and its People; with Descriptive Notes, Character Sketches, Folk Lore, Traditions, Legends and History, for the Amusement of the Old and the Instruction of the Young by Cox, James

Related Words

• artist
• crooner
• diva
• musician
• soloist
• vocalist
• voice