What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lyricist
Example
The famous lyricist wrote the words for many popular songs. [lyricist: noun]
Example
She is known for her talent as a lyricist, crafting beautiful and meaningful lyrics. [lyricist: noun]
songwriter
Example
The talented songwriter wrote and composed all the songs on her latest album. [songwriter: noun]
Example
He is a successful songwriter, having written hit songs for many famous artists. [songwriter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Songwriter is more commonly used than lyricist in everyday language. Songwriter is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of responsibilities and is often used to describe someone who creates original songs from scratch.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lyricist and songwriter?
Both lyricist and songwriter are formal terms used in the music industry. However, songwriter may be considered slightly more formal due to its broader scope of responsibility and recognition in the industry.