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

At 24, Thatcher seems distanced from other Hollywood 20-somethings, eschewing TikTok and influencers in favor of an artist’s life. —William Earl, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025

Burch even co-founded the Catholics for Trump coalition with prominent politicians, benefactors, and media influencers. —Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

The shake-up to the briefing room came after President Donald Trump used independent media and appearances with influencers and podcasters on the campaign trail to win his second term in the White House. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Jan. 2025

Watch Goldberg’s full message below: The View co-hosts also discussed the White House’s decision to open the press room to new media, including influencers, podcasters, and smaller news outlets. —Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 29 Jan. 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