plural artists
Synonyms of artistnext
1
a
: a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination
the great artists of the Renaissance
an artist specializing in watercolors
b
: a person skilled in any of the arts
I can't draw at all, but both of my children are very talented artists.
2
: a skilled performer
a trapeze artist
especially : a musical or theatrical entertainer : artiste
a jazz artist
3
: a person who is very good at something
a scam artist
a strikeout artist
4
a
obsolete : one skilled or versed in learned arts
b
archaic : physician
c
archaic : artisan sense 1

Examples of artist in a Sentence

the great artists of the Renaissance a pitcher who is a strikeout artist
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of Parton’s most beloved and well-known songs, the 1973 hit has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years, from Miley Cyrus to The White Stripes. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 In fact, nail artists argue boot season is the best time to dip your toes into a fresh palette of colors. Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 In the old days, record companies sometimes packaged albums with little or no input from the artists themselves, and K-pop fans still argue over how much creative control their favorite idols really have. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The estate said that a DollyFest had already been planned for Nashville in January 2027, with the artist’s participation, and now will go on in her memory, with the addition of a separate London event. Chris Willman, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for artist

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French artiste "person practicing a craft, student of the liberal arts," borrowed from Medieval Latin artista "artificer, student of the liberal arts," from Latin art-, ars "acquired skill, art entry 1" + -ista -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 4c

Time Traveler
The first known use of artist was in 1563

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Artist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artist. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a person skilled in one of the arts (as painting, sculpture, music, or writing)
2
: a person showing unusual ability in an occupation requiring skill

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