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

Listen to this article Loading your audio article Dominique Brown, a Disney influencer and co-creator of Black Girl Disney merchandise, died earlier this week at age 34 after suffering a medical emergency at a food event in Los Angeles. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024

Since then, Welch has embarked on a new career as a celebrity, social media influencer and marketer. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Plus, understanding the reach and value of traditional media placements has become more important given the rise of social media news influencers, digital creators and podcasters. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

Upon launching the Kickstarter campaign, Glamour Dolls hired influencer Kandee Johnson to announce the collaboration, which was set to feature products like an eyeshadow palette trapper keeper and unicorn-top nail polishes. —Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024

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