ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fiddler

n.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈfɪdəɫɝ// UK //fˈɪdlɐ// fid·dler Archaic Slang

n. a person who plays the violin, especially for music that is fast and lively. It is a common name for a violinist in many cultures.

n. a person who plays the violin, particularly in a folk or traditional musical context. Often used as a generic term for a violinist in historical or regional dialects.


SIMPLE

The fiddler played a lively tune at the wedding.

CONTEXTUAL

The local fiddler was famous for his ability to play traditional tunes that had been passed down for generations.

COMPLEX

The fiddler's performance was so technically demanding that it required years of dedicated practice to master the complex bowing techniques and rapid string crossings.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English fithelere, from Old English fiþelere, from *fiþele. By surface analysis, fiddl(e) + -er. * (capstan-house): So called because the fiddle would sometimes be played to cheer the sailors working there.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference