composer

noun

com·​pos·​er kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce composer (audio)
: one that composes
especially : a person who writes music

Examples of composer in a Sentence

She prefers Mozart and Beethoven to modern composers. a versatile composer whose works include operas, symphonies, concertos, and sonatas
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.
The collection also pays tribute to late French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, with a commemorative concert marking the 100th anniversary of his birth, and also features the first live concert at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral following its reopening last year. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025 Anastasio’s enthusiasm for Bernstein is based, in part, on the composer’s ability to effectively wed classical theory with popular song. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Voices Raised The second of three shows devoted to new work by contemporary Los Angeles composers features a program of instrumental chamber music with Lyris Quartet and Brightwork Ensemble; the festival concludes with vocal chamber music on May 18. 5 p.m. 2220 Arts + Archives, 2200 Beverly Blvd. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Phillip Glass Space exploration figures prominently in several of the contemporary classical composer's operas, such as Einstein on the Beach, The Voyage and an obscure work based on a science fiction novel by Doris Lessing, The Making of the Representative for Planet 8. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composer

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composer was in 1597

Cite this Entry

“Composer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composer. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

composer

noun
com·​pos·​er kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce composer (audio)
: one that composes
especially : a person who writes music

More from Merriam-Webster on composer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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