artist
AH-tihst
Artist (noun) means a person who creates art, such as paintings, drawings, or sculpture. Example: “The street artist drew a portrait of each tourist in just minutes.”
noun
1
A person who creates art, such as paintings, drawings, or sculpture.
"The street artist drew a portrait of each tourist in just minutes."
"My sister is a talented artist who sells her paintings at local fairs."
"The gallery represents several emerging young artists."
2
A person, especially a musician, who performs or records professionally.
"The artist signed copies of her new album after the concert."
"That artist writes all her own songs and records them at home."
"The album features collaborations with several well-known artists."
3
Someone highly skilled at a particular activity.
"My grandfather is an artist with a barbecue and never burns anything."
"She is a real artist at negotiating a good deal."
"He's a real artist when it comes to fixing old engines."
How to use artist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who makes art, or a recording/performing musician — also used loosely for anyone highly skilled.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
recording artist
visual artist
con artist
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Word forms
- Plural
- artists
- Comparative
- more artist
- Superlative
- most artist
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The street _____ drew a portrait of each tourist in just minutes.
Etymology
From French artiste, from Late Latin artista, from ars ("art").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “artist” mean?
The word “artist” means a person who creates art, such as paintings, drawings, or sculpture. In plain terms, someone who makes art, or a recording/performing musician — also used loosely for anyone highly skilled.
How do you pronounce “artist”?
“Artist” is pronounced AH-tihst (/ˈɑɹ.tɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “artist” in a sentence?
Here is “artist” used in a sentence: “The gallery represents several emerging young artists.”
What part of speech is “artist”?
“Artist” is a noun.
Where does the word “artist” come from?
The word “artist” comes from Late Latin. From French artiste, from Late Latin artista, from ars ("art").
Is “artist” a common word?
“Artist” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “artist” have?
“Artist” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who creates art, such as paintings, drawings, or sculpture.
What is the difference between an artist and an artiste?
An artist creates visual or other art, such as paintings or sculpture, and the word covers a broad range of creators. An artiste is a performer, especially a singer, dancer, or entertainer, and the term can sound formal or slightly theatrical. The two differ in spelling, stress, and meaning.
What are the different types of artist?
The word spans many fields: painters, sculptors, and illustrators in visual art, but also musicians, writers, dancers, actors, and photographers. More loosely, anyone who works with exceptional skill and creativity, from a tattoo artist to a make-up artist, may be called an artist. It is a wide, flexible label.
Can anyone be an artist?
Many argue yes: while talent varies, art is a practice open to anyone willing to create and develop skill, and there is no licence or fixed qualification. Some see being an artist as a matter of dedication and expression rather than formal training, sales, or official professional status.
Is an artist the same as an artisan?
No, though they share a root. An artist creates work valued mainly for its creative or expressive quality, while an artisan is a skilled craftsperson who makes practical, often handmade goods such as furniture or pottery. The line can blur, but their intent and emphasis usually differ.
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