explainer

American  

[ik-spley-ner] / ɪkˈspleɪ nər /

noun

1. a person, document, video, etc., that explains something (often used attributively).

   an explainer article that gives the reader background information about a news story.

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Etymology

Origin of explainer

First recorded in 1575–1600; explain ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

In a later post on X, Newsom's office reposted an explainer to combat misinformation, adding: "And yes, for the record: we wish the votes were counted faster, too."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Barker wisely fashioned “Obsession” as a contemporary movie, taking inspiration from a “Simpsons” rerun and revamping it into something the socially conscious, explainer video-addicted YouTube audience might enjoy.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

You can review this earlier WSJ explainer that gives a bit more context about what a fume event is and how it can happen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” used the song’s looping, funky backing track underneath a bit of conspiracy-minded explainer video, adding an escalating urgency to the conclusion of the movie’s action-packed satire of corporate media culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

This review, however, and Harvey's letter have convinced me that I must be a very bad explainer.

From Life and Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 2 by Darwin, Francis, Sir

Related Words

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