minstrel

American  

[min-struhl] / ˈmɪn strəl /

noun

1. a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour.

2. a musician, singer, or poet.

3. one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men in blackface, presenting songs, jokes, etc., and portraying negative racial stereotypes.

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minstrel British  

/ ˈmɪnstrəl /

noun

1. a medieval wandering musician who performed songs or recited poetry with instrumental accompaniment

2. a performer in a minstrel show

3. archaic any poet, musician, or singer

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Etymology

Origin of minstrel

1175–1225; Middle English ministrel < Old French < Late Latin ministeriālis servant (noun use of adj.); ministerial

Example Sentences

This song, also known as “The Old Folks at Home,” became the most-performed song of 19th-century minstrel shows, and was adopted as the state song of Florida, through which the Suwannee River flows, in 1935.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

White minstrel performers like Joel Walker Sweeney were credited with popularizing the instrument that inspired a vital part of popular music in the country seen as "hillbilly" music.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2024

“He wears the cloak and scepter of the American minstrel; he’s that guy,” said Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead and Elliott’s longtime friend.

From New York Times • Sep. 28, 2022

Tambo and Bones have moved from the minstrel past to the more recent hip-hop present.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2022

The minstrel drew sweet sounds from his lyre and waked in all the longing for the dance.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• troubadour