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

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

From The Wall Street Journal

At a party hosted at a 1950s house remodeled in an over-the-top Hollywood Regency style by Liberace, an impersonator of the flamboyant entertainer took requests from guests at the piano.

From The Wall Street Journal

There would be many obstacles, starting with few cities’ having a ready supply of big-name entertainers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Michael B. Jordan, who won for actor in a motion picture, also won entertainer of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

It was intended for the greatest American artists, scientists, entertainers, writers, thinkers—Robert Frost, John Ford, Jonas Salk.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• artist