English Reference
noun

promoter

n.
US /pɹəˈmoʊtɝ/ UK /pɹəmˈəʊtɐ/ pro·mot·er UK spelling promoters

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person or company that organizes and pays for an event, like a concert or a boxing match.

    an individual or organization that finances and organizes a sporting event or entertainment production.

    Simple

    The concert promoter spent thousands of dollars on posters to sell out the show.

    In context

    The boxing promoter negotiated a lucrative television deal that ensured the match would be broadcast to a global audience.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of music, sports, or large-scale public entertainment.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    someone who actively supports or encourages a particular plan, idea, or cause.

    a person who advocates for or encourages the adoption of a specific cause, policy, or ideology.

    Simple

    She has always been a strong promoter of healthy eating in local schools.

    In context

    As a leading promoter of renewable energy, the senator spent years lobbying for stricter carbon emission standards.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, 'proponent' or 'advocate' is often preferred in academic writing.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a specific part of DNA that tells a cell to start making a certain protein.

    a region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene by providing a binding site for RNA polymerase.

    Simple

    The scientists studied the promoter to understand why the gene was turned off.

    In context

    Mutations within the promoter region can significantly alter the rate at which a gene is expressed within the organism.

    Usage

    Used as a countable noun in genetics and molecular biology.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a substance that makes a catalyst work better, even though it is not a catalyst itself.

    a substance added to a catalyst to increase its activity or selectivity in a chemical reaction.

    Simple

    Adding a small amount of the promoter made the chemical reaction happen much faster.

    In context

    The industrial process relies on a specific metallic promoter to enhance the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Neilson has been booking gigs through relationships with promoters, and by scouring Facebook and Instagram for venues with stage time.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

There, she became known as a ferocious Trump defender and promoter of false claims that he won the 2020 election.

BBC News· 19 Aug 2026

From promote + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated