painter

1 of 3

noun (1)

paint·​er ˈpān-tər 

: one that paints: such as

a

: an artist who paints

b

: one who applies paint especially as an occupation

painter

2 of 3

noun (2)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər 

: a line used for securing or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3

noun (3)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər 

: cougar sense 1

Examples of painter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The portrait was designed by British painter Iain Alexander. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 May 2026

The gallery gained a reputation for bringing African diasporic artists to the attention to the British art scene, whose commercial galleries have not always paid enough attention to painters, sculptors, and photographers with ties to the continent. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026

Li had worked as a painter and sandblaster at the Staten Island dockyard for roughly four years. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026

Plus, there will be an arts and crafts fair, showcasing local painters, pottery, handmade jewelry, clothing and more. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English paynter, probably from Middle French dialect (Normandy) pentoir, penteur clothesline, from pendre to hang — more at pendant

Noun (3)

alteration of panther

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

circa 1764, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing painter

• painter's colic

Rhymes for painter

• fainter

Kids Definition

painter

1 of 3 noun

paint·​er ˈpānt-ər 

: one that paints

especially : an artist who paints

painter

2 of 3 noun

pain·​ter

: a line used for attaching or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3 noun

pain·​ter

: cougar

Etymology

Noun

from paint (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

Middle English paynter "a line used for securing a boat," probably from early French pentoir, penteur "clothesline"

Noun

an altered form of panther