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

Certain brands such as Dyson, Philips Sonicare, Shark and Goal Zero are already offering deals for the event, and certain influencers have begun dropping deals on various products, too. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 6 July 2025

This can’t-miss fashion moment brings together bold style and big vibes as our Amazon Live host or influencer showcases their top picks for a night out in New Orleans. —Essence, 6 July 2025

Yim plays Myung-gi (Player 333), a former cryptocurrency influencer who lost big bucks. —EW.com, 4 July 2025

For every Dropkick Murphys, there was a busload of YouTube influencers that could somehow come in and sell out the place. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 3 July 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