Showing results for pianist. Search instead for pianists.

pianist

American

[pee-an-ist, pyan-, pee-uh-nist] / piˈæn ɪst, ˈpyæn-, ˈpi ə nɪst /

noun

a person who plays the piano, especially one who performs expertly or professionally.

pianist British

/ ˈpɪənɪst /

noun

a person who plays the piano

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pianist

1830–40; < French pianiste < Italian pianista. See piano ¹, -ist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Paul Cummins, headmaster of a Santa Monica elementary school called St. Augustine-by-the-Sea, was in the market for a music teacher and a colleague suggested he call a Rustic Canyon pianist named Mary Ann.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Dr Samantha Ege, pianist and music historian said Odeleye's performance in The Piano "shone a massive light on the Black women in classical music who came before her".

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Ari Agalopol, a decorated pianist and piano teacher, saw her performances and classes abruptly come to a halt in 2012 after a car accident resulted in severe spinal and knee injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Sedaka, an accomplished pianist, became a star in his own right in the early 1960s, with pop hits including "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do."

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

A general air of surprise and genuine satisfaction fell upon everyone as they saw the pianist enter.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023