ENGLISH
REFERENCE

barker

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈbɑɹkɝ// UK //bˈɑːkɐ// bark·er Archaic Slang

n. a person who stands outside a show or shop and shouts to attract customers. You usually see them at fairs or circuses trying to get people to come inside.

n. a person who stands at the entrance to a public show or place of business and calls out to passersby to attract patrons. Often associated with carnivals, circuses, or sideshows.


SIMPLE

The barker shouted at the crowd to see the show.

CONTEXTUAL

A loud barker stood outside the tent, promising that the performance inside would change our lives forever.

COMPLEX

The traditional carnival barker relies on a rhythmic, high-energy vocal delivery designed to create a sense of urgency and curiosity in a distracted crowd.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly associated with historical or traditional entertainment contexts like carnivals.

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