painter

1 of 3

noun (1)

paint·​er ˈpān-tər How to pronounce painter (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce painter (audio)
: a line used for securing or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3

noun (3)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər How to pronounce painter (audio)

Examples of painter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Since then, he’s been considered a painter’s painter — capturing jazz icons, heroes from his Mexican heritage, his wife and his own recognizable bearded face — while also staging gonzo solo shows featuring live music, DJing and a faux Mercedes that’s half instrument, half sculpture. Michael Slenske, HollywoodReporter, 14 Mar. 2026 Modern art hangs on the walls; a bookshelf in Larocca’s office contains multiple titles about painter Mark Rothko. Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 13 Mar. 2026 The Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños focuses on Oaxacan painters. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026 These brief bits find themselves among the fine art works curated from 32 of the hundreds of painters, sculptors, illustrators and photographers who have traveled to Ossabaw Island over the past 65 years. Amy Paige Condon, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painter

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of painter was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Painter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painter. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

painter

1 of 3 noun
paint·​er ˈpānt-ər How to pronounce painter (audio)
: 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

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