rhetorician

American  

[ret-uh-rish-uhn] / ˌrɛt əˈrɪʃ ən /

noun

1. an expert in the art of rhetoric.

2. a person who teaches rhetoric.

3. a person who writes or speaks in an elaborate or exaggerated style.

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rhetorician British  

/ ˌrɛtəˈrɪʃən /

noun

1. a teacher of the art of rhetoric

2. a stylish or eloquent writer or speaker

3. a person whose speech is pompous or extravagant

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Etymology

Origin of rhetorician

1375–1425; late Middle English rethoricien < Middle French rethorique rhetoric + -ien -ian

Example Sentences

In conversation with sociologist and Hamilton University President Stephen Pepper, Obama, ever the master rhetorician, said:

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2025

Obama is a trained law professor and an eloquent rhetorician, but he could not make a coherent case.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2020

Franklin was a gifted rhetorician and singer, and he prospered as the pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2018

Here’s a man who – agreeing with the 17th-century rhetorician John Bulwer that gesture is “the palm and crown of eloquence” – really speaks with his hands.

From The Guardian • Jan. 30, 2016

And the orator need know nothing of medicine himself, hmm? socrates: Then, when the rhetorician is more persuasive than the physician, the ignorant is more persuasive with the ignorant than he who has knowledge?

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith