Word
showman
Phoneticsshow·man, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃoʊmən/
UK/ʃˈəʊmən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who is very good at organizing and performing in shows. You use this for someone who knows how to make an event exciting and fun for the audience.
n. a person who organizes or performs in public entertainments, particularly those involving spectacle or drama. Often implies a flair for showmanship and audience engagement.
Examples
“He is a natural showman who always knows how to please the crowd.”
“The circus owner was a master showman, using colorful posters and loud music to attract families to the tent.”
“While his technical skills were impressive, it was his innate showmanship that truly captivated the audience, transforming a simple magic act into a theatrical experience.”
Examples
simple
“He is a natural showman who always knows how to please the crowd.”
contextual
“The circus owner was a master showman, using colorful posters and loud music to attract families to the tent.”
complex
“While his technical skills were impressive, it was his innate showmanship that truly captivated the audience, transforming a simple magic act into a theatrical experience.”
Real-World Examples
“In this version of history, Ireland’s greatest lord of language is reduced to a sentimental, royalty-loving, champagne-quaffing showman.” Etymology
From show + -man.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/showman