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

There were different metrics—say, the number of sheet-music copies pulled from a publisher’s warehouse or the frequency of reprintings or how often it appeared in minstrel shows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

However, the banjo's creation eventually became a blending between West African and European traditions mostly due to minstrel shows in the 1800s.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2024

But then when we start getting into the minstrel, it’s not about who you are, it’s about what has been put on to you.

From New York Times • Oct. 20, 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