influencer

noun

in·​flu·​enc·​er ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)-sər 

 especially Southern  in-ˈflü-

plural influencers

: one who exerts influence : a person who inspires or guides the actions of others

The old theme of laziness and mellowness runs counter to today's influencers, who are businesspeople and upscale inspirational promoters of a go-getter way of life.

—John C. Dvorak

often, specifically : a person who is able to generate interest in something (such as a consumer product) by posting about it on social media

While Linh and other elite influencers are usually personally invited by hotel brands, an onslaught of lesser-known wannabes has left hotels scrambling to deal with a deluge of requests for all-expense-paid vacations in exchange for some social media posts.

—Taylor Lorenz

The woman who's been called the "future of fashion" has advice for aspiring Instagram influencers: Stop with the staged photos posing with croissants or balloons against a beautiful backdrop.

—Alix Langone

Examples of influencer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After receiving free cans of Poppi dispensed from the aesthetic vending machines, many of the influencers documented their unboxing experiences for their large online followings. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Her fashion journey has even taken her across the globe, from Paris to capture content and attend runway shows, cementing her status as a fashion influencer. —Essence, 10 Feb. 2025

Patrick’s parents had another child after him, Jackson Mahomes, who is an influencer. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025

Inside Belle Gibson’s Real-Life Cancer-Curing Scam That Rocked the Wellness Industry Here is everything to know about the real Belle Gibson and where the disgraced wellness influencer is today. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

influencer

noun

in·​flu·​enc·​er

: one who exerts influence : a person who inspires or guides the actions of others