# entertainer

/ˌɛnɝˈteɪnɝ/ (US) · /ˌɛntətˈeɪnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entertainer
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. professional performer

noun · CEFR B1

a person who performs for an audience as a job, such as a singer, dancer, or comedian.

For teachers: a professional who provides amusement or enjoyment for an audience, typically through music, comedy, or physical performance.

- The hotel hired a children's entertainer to keep the kids busy during the party.
- The cruise ship features a diverse lineup of entertainers, ranging from classical pianists to world-class magicians and stand-up comics.

### 2. host

noun · CEFR B2

someone who likes to have guests over and provide them with food and fun.

For teachers: a person who hosts and provides hospitality or amusement for guests in a social setting.

- My aunt is a wonderful entertainer who always throws the best dinner parties.
- Known as a generous entertainer, the diplomat frequently hosted elaborate garden parties for his colleagues and their families.

Teaching tip: While the professional sense is more common, this sense describes a person's social personality or habits at home.

## Examples

- The children's entertainer made balloon animals for everyone.
- The cruise ship hired a versatile entertainer who could sing, dance, and perform magic tricks for the guests.
- While some critics dismissed him as a mere entertainer, his ability to connect with diverse audiences across several decades proved his mastery of the craft.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.