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

Others follow this movement—though perhaps that noun is generous—to assorted X comics, or Dua Lipa’s recent ascent as a literary influencer. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026

Some activists – far-right influencer Jake Lang among them – have gathered outside court and on occasion gotten into yelling matches. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

It eschews advertising and avoids the influencer economy. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 9 June 2026

The shift could also be seen in the generation growing tired of influencers and swearing off smartphones for a life less chronically online and bonds that are less parasocial. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 June 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