vocalist

American  

[voh-kuh-list] / ˈvoʊ kə lɪst /

noun

1. a singer.

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vocalist British  

/ ˈvəʊkəlɪst /

noun

1. a singer, esp one who regularly appears with a jazz band or pop group

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Etymology

Origin of vocalist

First recorded in 1605–15; vocal + -ist

Explanation

Another word for a singer is a vocalist. A large band might include a dozen musicians, a lead vocalist, and a couple of backup vocalists to harmonize. In jazz, it's particularly common to refer to singers as vocalists — it's a way to emphasize that they are musicians, just like the saxophonist and drummer, only a vocalist's instrument is her voice. A guest vocalist might appear on your favorite band's new album, or a band might hire backing vocalists when they perform live. In the early 17th century, this word meant "speaker." It wasn't until the 19th century that the meaning changed to "singer."

Example Sentences

Vocalist Jeffery Kenny sang between two backup dancers wearing gas masks as images of nuclear warning signs displayed on screens behind them.

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2022

Vocalist Jay Littleton hauntingly sings, “All these words will burn in time / promises of holding the line.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2022

The eponymous single won her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocalist.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2022

Vocalist John Conte wails and sneers with an aggro sense of melody.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2021

These circumstances made a strong impression upon my mind, and furnished me with materials for the song I herewith send you.—Extract from a Letter to Henry Russell, the Vocalist, dated New York, February 1, 1837.

From Poems by Morris, George Pope