English Reference
noun

painter

n.
US /ˈpeɪntɝ/ UK /pˈeɪntɐ/ painter UK spelling painters

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    an artist who creates pictures using paint.

    an artist who produces representational or abstract works using paint as a medium.

    Simple

    The painter spent all afternoon in the park trying to capture the colors of the trees.

    In context

    The portrait painter requested several sittings to ensure the lighting accurately reflected the subject's character.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    a person whose job is to paint surfaces like walls, doors, or buildings.

    a tradesperson or laborer employed to apply paint, wallpaper, or other finishes to architectural surfaces.

    Simple

    We hired a professional painter to refresh the exterior of our house before winter.

    In context

    The master painter insisted on thorough surface preparation, knowing that even high-quality gloss would fail on a dusty substrate.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a rope attached to the front of a small boat used for tying it to a dock or towing it.

    a line attached to the bow of a small boat, such as a dinghy, used for securing the vessel to a pier or for towing.

    Simple

    Make sure you tie the painter securely to the dock so the boat doesn't drift away.

    In context

    As the tide rose, the tension on the painter increased, causing the small dinghy to bob rhythmically against the wooden pilings.

    Usage

    In nautical contexts, 'painter' refers specifically to the rope at the bow, not just any rope on a ship.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated