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Definition of harpist
harpist
/ˈhɑːrpɪst/
harp · ist
Plural:harpists
harpist Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
2
harpist Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A musician who plays the harp.
Example
"The symphony orchestra hired a solo harpist for the upcoming spring concert series."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for harpistWord Nuance & Usage
While 'harpist' is the standard modern term for someone who plays the harp, the older term 'harper' is still used in traditional Irish and Scottish folk music contexts, whereas in American slang 'harper' often refers to a harmonica player.
• Rhymes for harpist
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from 'harp' (from Old English 'hearpe', of Germanic origin) plus the agentive suffix '-ist', attested from the late 16th century.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Harpist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/harpist