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

For years, there has been a wave of whiny “manosphere” influencers and right-wing pundits telling men that they are the real victims — that feminism has gone “too far” and masculinity is under attack.

Read more on Salon

Yet the rosy picture painted by cheerleading TikTok and Instagram influencers glosses over potential adverse effects.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On top of this, many of today’s top influencers are both young and Black, attracting legions of followers and large, coveted corporate sponsorships.

Read more on Salon

One feature uses AI to identify the optimal place on the screen to put a shopping link when an influencer mentions a product.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In addition to using players and social media influencers to promote healthy skin care practices on social media and at league events, CeraVe products will be in locker rooms.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bellwether 
• tastemaker