piper

American  

[pahy-per] / ˈpaɪ pər /

noun

1. a person who plays on a pipe.

2. a bagpiper.

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idioms

1. pay the piper,

   1. to pay the cost of something.

   2. to bear the unfavorable consequences of one's actions or pleasures.

      Someday he'll have to pay the piper for all that gambling.

piper ¹ British  

/ ˈpaɪpə /

noun

1. a person who plays a pipe or bagpipes

2. to bear the cost of an undertaking and control it

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Piper ² British  

/ ˈpaɪpə /

noun

1. John. 1903–92, British artist. An official war artist in World War II, he is known esp for his watercolours of bombed churches and his stained glass in Coventry Cathedral

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piper More Idioms  

1. see call the tune (pay the piper).

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Etymology

Origin of piper

before 1000; Middle English; Old English pīpere. See pipe ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

“Not Trad” is overtly Celtic, with a marching melody that could be played by a piper and a thumping drum that seems appropriate for a celebration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

A neo-traditionalist and pied piper for the New York downtown set, Keith and his nine lives most recently turned to Instagram after a stroke impaired his ability to speak.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

So to some degree, it’s a question of when the piper will be paid, not if the piper will be paid.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2025

A piper is expected to lead participants through the town to the seafront for live music and a market.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

But really, if you commit a crime you have to pay the piper, what did she expect?

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver