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

Derived Forms

• preentertainer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of entertainer

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

Explanation

An entertainer is a person whose job or goal is to perform for the amusement of others. If you're an entertainer, you might learn how to tap dance and take singing lessons. If you make your living as a comedian, you're an entertainer. You're also an entertainer if you're a dancer, singer, actor, or puppeteer. In all of these cases, your job is to entertain an audience. You can also call the member of your family who's always trying to make everyone laugh an entertainer. The word comes from the verb entertain, which originally meant "to keep up or maintain," and came to also mean "amuse" in the early 17th century.

Example Sentences

Allen, the late Australian entertainer portrayed by Hugh Jackman in Broadway’s Tony-winning “The Boy From Oz,” had played the tune for Manilow in the early ’80s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

"For me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I'm an entertainer."

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Children's entertainer Paul Chuckle has said he is "delighted" to be taking part in an upcoming National Theatre tour.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The entertainer also wrote and recorded “Runway” with rapper Doechii for the sequel’s soundtrack.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

All agreed that she was a superb entertainer.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

Related Words

• artist