impressionist

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ist im-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist 

1

often capitalized : someone (such as a painter) who practices or adheres to the theories of impressionism

2

: an entertainer who does impressions

Synonyms

• imitator
• impersonator
• mimic
• personator

Examples of impressionist in a Sentence

a celebrated impressionist who can do enough rapid-fire imitations to populate an entire stage with characters

Recent Examples on the Web

So, like four Rashomons, if Rashomon had an impressionist doing their best Ed Sullivan at one point in each segment. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024

Harris made her appearance during the cold open alongside her impressionist, comedian Maya Rudolph, who was dressed in an identical outfit. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 3 Nov. 2024

For the time being, Saturday Night Live viewers will have to settle for the show’s political impressionists. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2024

But in the biggest surprise of the cold open, SNL master impressionist Dana Carvey returned to the show as President Joe Biden. —Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 29 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

impressionist

noun

im·​pres·​sion·​ist im-ˈpresh-(ə-)nəst 

1

often capitalized : a person (as a painter) who practices impressionism

2

: an entertainer who does impressions