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

In the front row seats and packing the wings are buyers, designers, fashion editors, celebrities, clients and an increasing number of influencers. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Bondi has continuously struggled to move past the backlash over her handling of the Epstein files since distributing binders to a group of social media influencers at the White House last February. —Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Sure, there are your garden-variety influencers with their performative prossecco and rental resortwear, but these guests don’t announce their net worth—because their wears do it for them. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026

With a lack of personal knowledge, people are putting their trust in skin care creators and influencer product recommendations rather than that of dermatologists. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026

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