What does synthesizer mean?
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument that creates and modifies sounds, most often for music. Unlike an acoustic instrument, it generates sound through electronic circuits or digital techniques, allowing performers to imitate many conventional instruments and produce novel tones and effects. Synthesizers are commonly associated with electronic, pop, jazz, film, and experimental music, although they can serve as instruments in almost any genre. The word can also refer to computer software that generates speech, music, or other sounds. In its musical sense, a synthesizer is played through keys, buttons, pedals, or controllers that alter pitch, timbre, volume, and other qualities. Its broad creative possibilities helped make electronic sound central to modern popular and studio music.
An electronic instrument that generates and modifies sound, typically through keys, buttons, or other controls.
"The musician played the synthesizer during the closing performance."
The shortened form “synth” is common in musical and informal contexts.
A computer application or system that generates speech, music, or other sounds electronically.
"The screen reader includes a speech synthesizer for reading text aloud."
This sense is often clarified as “software synthesizer” or “speech synthesizer.”
The plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"The studio is filled with synthesizers and recording equipment."
The synthesizer transformed music by letting performers create and reshape electronic sounds with knobs, keys, and switches rather than traditional acoustic instruments.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synthesizer come from?
The word comes from the combining form synth-, meaning “put together,” combined with the suffix -esizer, and ultimately relates to Greek synthesis, “a putting together.” The underlying sense is preserved in synthesize, synthesis, and synthetic. The musical sense developed during the twentieth century as electronic instruments began generating and manipulating sound.
How synthesizer is actually used
In music, “synthesizer” usually refers to the instrument, while “software synthesizer” or “speech synthesizer” identifies a computer-based sound-generating system. In informal usage, “synth” is a common shortened form.