synthesizer
noun
syn·the·siz·er ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsī-zər 
1
: one that synthesizes
an expert synthesizer of diverse views
2
: a usually computerized electronic apparatus for the production and control of sound (as for producing music)
Example Sentences
The band used a synthesizer for the drumbeat.
Recent Examples on the Web The track opens with a meandering two-and-a-half minute instrumental introduction, slowly building from a breathy synthesizer drone to the disorienting sound of numerous ticking clocks. 
Melinda Latour, The Conversation, 16 Aug. 2022 Divided into three distinct movements, the piece begins with a frenetic intensity, followed by a more tranquil intermediate section that transitions to a driving synthesizer-laden denouement that only lacks rolling credits on the windshield. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 July 2022 The album’s subdued, nocturnal mood and synthesizer-heavy sound is at times reminiscent of the work of R&B singer Frank Ocean. Neil Shah, WSJ, 17 June 2022 The band is expert at building tension by creating a simple but potent melody—Chassagne is especially dexterous on a synthesizer—escalating the volume, tamping up the rhythm, and facilitating a sudden, noisy release. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2022 And Adrian was fiddling about with something on a synthesizer, which was absolutely nonsensical. David Chiu, Forbes, 3 July 2022 Dave Smith, a groundbreaking synthesizer designer, died on May 31 in Detroit. Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 June 2022 The music features lead vocals and a wash of guitar from Gannon, harmony vocals and synthesizer from Fredock and propulsive bass and tom-tom-heavy drums from Geller and Fusco. Bo Emerson, ajc, 1 July 2022 TikTok is replete with kids pretending to levitate over the tsunami-warning-like sound of Bush’s synthesizer. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2022 See More
Melinda Latour, The Conversation, 16 Aug. 2022 Divided into three distinct movements, the piece begins with a frenetic intensity, followed by a more tranquil intermediate section that transitions to a driving synthesizer-laden denouement that only lacks rolling credits on the windshield. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 July 2022 The album’s subdued, nocturnal mood and synthesizer-heavy sound is at times reminiscent of the work of R&B singer Frank Ocean. Neil Shah, WSJ, 17 June 2022 The band is expert at building tension by creating a simple but potent melody—Chassagne is especially dexterous on a synthesizer—escalating the volume, tamping up the rhythm, and facilitating a sudden, noisy release. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2022 And Adrian was fiddling about with something on a synthesizer, which was absolutely nonsensical. David Chiu, Forbes, 3 July 2022 Dave Smith, a groundbreaking synthesizer designer, died on May 31 in Detroit. Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 June 2022 The music features lead vocals and a wash of guitar from Gannon, harmony vocals and synthesizer from Fredock and propulsive bass and tom-tom-heavy drums from Geller and Fusco. Bo Emerson, ajc, 1 July 2022 TikTok is replete with kids pretending to levitate over the tsunami-warning-like sound of Bush’s synthesizer. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1