contrabassist|kɒntrəˈbæsɪst| [f.prec. + -ist.] One who plays the contrabass. 1884Pall Mall G. 18 June 4/1 The arrangements and composition played by the great contra-bassist.1887Ibid. 16 June 4/1 The famous duet between the favourite violinist and the phenomenal contre-bassist.