influencer
Americannoun
-
a person or thing that influences.
The most powerful influencer of beliefs is direct experience.
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of influencer
First recorded in 1660–70; influence ( def. ) + -er 1 ( def. )
Explanation
Someone who uses their online reputation to prompt people to buy things is an influencer. Don't spend all your money on an expensive sweater just because it looked great on an influencer! Influencers are online celebrities, most of whom found their fame on social media platforms. The most popular influencers hold a lot of clout, whether they're publicizing a lifestyle, demonstrating a gadget, or modeling clothing. These internet stars can make a lot of money promoting products for big companies by using their influence over their followers. In addition to this recent definition of influencer, you can also use it for anyone who holds sway over other people's opinions or actions.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Influencer and Trainor’s close friend Chris Olsen took to TikTok to push back against the “predictably vicious” online comments about the tour.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
Influencer Alix Earle posted a TikTok Saturday of herself getting ready for a sleepover with her sister with the caption “Now off to watch fruit love island.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
“Sadly, the Great Influencer, Scott Adams, has passed away. He was a fantastic guy, who liked and respected me when it wasn’t fashionable to do so,” he wrote.
From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026
Influencer Logan Paul could make millions off a rare Pokémon card.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025
Influencer and women's sport advocate Demi Brown told the BBC she had been forced to "become resilient" in response to negative comments about her weight and appearance online.
From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
