entertainer

American  

[en-ter-tey-ner] / ˌɛn tərˈteɪ nər /

noun

1. a singer, comedian, dancer, reciter, or the like, especially a professional one.

2. a person who entertains; host.

   She was one of the capital's great entertainers.

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entertainer British  

/ ˌɛntəˈteɪnə /

noun

1. a professional singer, comedian, or other performer who takes part in public entertainments

2. any person who entertains

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Other Word Forms

• preentertainer noun

Etymology

Origin of entertainer

First recorded in 1525–35; entertain + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Times, because once, being a British entertainer going to Los Angeles was quite a big deal.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Kiki Shepard, the actor and entertainer best known for co-hosting the syndicated variety show “Showtime at the Apollo,” has died.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Taxpayers can thank entertainer George M. Cohan, who wrote the song known as Yankee Doodle Dandy, for this largess.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

French entertainer Gael Monfils was bundled out of the Australian Open in the first round on Tuesday in a brave farewell to a tournament he has lit up so many times.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

I don’t think Dad is too stoked about my plans either, although he doesn’t say it because he knows I remember him telling me how he used to want to be an entertainer.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes

Related Words

• artist