Meaning & use
violinist
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Meanings
nouncountable
A person who plays the violin, especially as a skilled or professional musician.
Grammar: Countable noun: a violinist, two violinists. Use 'a' or plural forms.
Patterns
- a violinist in an orchestra
- a solo violinist
- the first violinist
She became a professional violinist after years of practice.
The orchestra's lead violinist performed a beautiful solo.
He is a talented young violinist who has won several competitions.
nouncountable
A musician who plays the violin in a particular style, such as folk, jazz, or classical.
Grammar: Often used with a style: a folk violinist, a jazz violinist.
Patterns
- a folk violinist
- a jazz violinist
- a classical violinist
The band features a folk violinist who also sings.
As a jazz violinist, she improvises solos with ease.
He is known as a classical violinist, but he also enjoys playing folk music.
Word forms
| plural | violinists |
|---|
Common combinations
- accomplished violinist
- She is an accomplished violinist who has toured worldwide.
- principal violinist
- The principal violinist led the string section.
- violinist in an orchestra
- He works as a violinist in a symphony orchestra.
- solo violinist
- The solo violinist received a standing ovation.
- play the violin
- She learned to play the violin at age five.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fiddler
- Often refers to a folk or country musician, not usually a classical player; can be informal or slightly negative.
- string player
- A broader term for anyone who plays a string instrument, not specifically the violin.
Word family
- violin noun
- The instrument itself.
- violinistic adjective
- Relating to the violin or violin playing; rare.
Commonly confused: violinist or fiddler?
violinist vs fiddler
A fiddler plays the same instrument but usually in folk or informal styles; a violinist often implies classical training.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'violinist' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The preposition 'in' is standard for membership in an orchestra. 'Of' suggests possession, not membership; 'for' implies she plays on behalf of the orchestra, not as a member; 'at' is used for locations, not membership.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “violinist”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.