singer
SIHNG-uh
Singer (noun) means a person who sings, especially as a profession or skill. Example: “She trained for years to become an opera singer.”
noun
1
A person who sings, especially as a profession or skill.
"She trained for years to become an opera singer."
"The band is looking for a new lead singer."
"The street singer attracted a small crowd outside the station."
2
A device or machine that singes something, such as cloth, to remove loose fibres.
"The mill used a singer to finish the fabric surface."
"A worker fed the cotton cloth through the singer to burn off the loose fluff."
"The old factory still has a singer that was used for finishing fabric."
How to use singer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone whose job or hobby is singing.
Common pairings
lead singer
opera singer
singer-songwriter
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Word forms
- Plural
- singers
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Etymology
From Old English/Middle English sing plus the agent suffix -er — literally "one who sings."
Related words
Rhymes for singer
See all rhymes for singer →Frequently asked questions
What does “singer” mean?
The word “singer” means a person who sings, especially as a profession or skill. In plain terms, someone whose job or hobby is singing.
How do you pronounce “singer”?
“Singer” is pronounced SIHNG-uh (/ˈsɪŋ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “singer” in a sentence?
Here is “singer” used in a sentence: “She trained for years to become an opera singer.”
What part of speech is “singer”?
“Singer” is a noun.
Where does the word “singer” come from?
The word “singer” comes from Old English. From Old English/Middle English sing plus the agent suffix -er — literally "one who sings.".
Is “singer” a common word?
“Singer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “singer” have?
“Singer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who sings, especially as a profession or skill.
What is the difference between a singer and a vocalist?
The two overlap heavily. "Singer" is the everyday word for anyone who sings. "Vocalist" sounds more technical or professional and is common in bands, where it names the person providing the vocals. Every vocalist is a singer, but "vocalist" tends to stress a formal or musical role.
What are the types of singers?
Singers are often classified by vocal range: soprano, mezzo-soprano, and alto for higher voices, and tenor, baritone, and bass for lower ones. They can also be grouped by genre — opera, pop, jazz, rock, gospel — or by role, such as lead singer, backing singer, or solo artist.
Can anyone learn to sing?
Yes, most people can learn to sing better. Natural talent and vocal anatomy vary, but singing is a skill built through training in pitch, breathing, and technique. Lessons and regular practice improve control, range, and tone. Only a small share of people are genuinely unable to match pitch.
What is the difference between a singer and a songwriter?
A singer performs songs with their voice, while a songwriter creates the music and lyrics. The roles are distinct but often combined in one person, known as a singer-songwriter. Some singers only perform material written by others, and many songwriters write for other artists without performing themselves.
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