singer-songwriter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not necessarily. While often associated with solo work, a singer-songwriter may perform with a backing band. The key is that they are the primary author of the songs they sing.

Typically, no. The term is strongly associated with melodic singing and song-form structures common in folk, rock, and pop. An MC or rapper who writes their own lyrics would be called a 'rapper', 'lyricist', or 'MC'. However, artists who blend singing and rapping (e.g., Post Malone) are sometimes categorised under the broader term.

A 'composer' is a broader term for someone who writes music, often associated with classical, film, or instrumental music, and may not perform. A 'singer-songwriter' specifically writes songs (with lyrics and melody) intended for their own vocal performance, usually in popular music genres.

It is highly typical and part of the common image (e.g., guitar or piano), but it is not an absolute definitional requirement. The core criteria are writing and singing one's own songs.

A musician who both writes and performs their own songs, typically in popular genres, and whose work often features a strong personal, lyrical, and artistic identity.

Singer-songwriter is usually neutral in register.

Singer-songwriter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋ.ə ˈsɒŋ.raɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋ.ɚ ˈsɑːŋ.raɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.