influencer
Americannoun
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a person or thing that influences.
The most powerful influencer of beliefs is direct experience.
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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 marketing is a commonly used practice among brands that want to get their product recognized by a younger demographic.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
“Influencerdom is the new American dream,” journalist Fortesa Latifi proclaimed earlier this month at the launch of her book “Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online.”
From Salon • May 10, 2026
Influencer Emma Chamberlian wore a multi-colored gown, courtesy of Mugler by Miguel Castro Freitas, that resembles a painting.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
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 Ashley St. Clair, who has a child with Musk, sued xAI over Grok-made deepfake images of her.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026
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.
