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.
I think the biggest misconception is that it’s an influencer festival, because I don’t think it is.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
“At this point, everyone I know knows someone whose husband has gambled away all their money,” political influencer Emily Amick, 41, whose book club feverishly discussed “Strangers.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
He charmed her with a bag of Scottish tablet and the influencer posted Jimmy's story on her social media.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
Sammarco, a Democratic strategist and influencer, saw the posts and sent an Instagram message to Fodor on April 3.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
He will be the prime influencer in everything, and we may depend upon him as a man equally enlightened and liberal.
From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Volume X (of 12) by Various
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.
