influencer

[in-floo-uhn-ser]

noun

1. a person or thing that influences.

   The most powerful influencer of beliefs is direct experience.

2. a person who has the power to influence many people, as through social media or traditional media.

   Companies look for Facebook influencers who can promote their brand.

Word History and Origins

Origin of influencer¹

First recorded in 1660–70; influence ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

In between the conflicts with law enforcement, there has been plenty of down time, with social media influencers looking to make their mark.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Just total error,” wrote far-right influencer Jack Posobiec, who attended a White House roundtable with the president this week.

Read more on Salon

But a growing number of residents say influencer culture is fueling bad behavior.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He followed influencers on X and YouTube who post frequently about their stock picks.

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She arrived at the canyon in the back of Kennedy’s van, seats removed, where she bounced alongside several of Kennedy’s dogs and men’s health influencer Brigham Buhler.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bellwether 
• tastemaker