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

An influencer can write a holiday recipe, sponsored by a food brand, and that content and the associated brand awareness will still resonate with audiences in a year's time.

—Danielle Wiley

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

Other democratic figures including CNN commentator Adam Kinzinger, political influencer Harry Sisson, and the Democratic Governors Association have also joined the chorus calling for disclosure. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025

The opportunity to enter an influencer’s contest and win a big cash prize? —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025

The audience was filled with Fortnite fans, press, influencers and VIPs (including filmmaker Eli Roth). —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Nov. 2025

Majoros said the brand works with over five influencers that are Chevy drivers to create content around how the brand fits into their lifestyles, as well as incorporating more experiential events for Chevy drivers. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 29 Nov. 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