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

The Dallas Mavericks point guard was first linked to Wilkerson, a social media influencer, in 2018 after they were reportedly spotted together at Irving’s youth basketball tournament. —Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024

While the guest list for the gala is kept secret until the night of, the influencer and reality TV star has attended each of the past 10 Met Galas since 2013, mostly with her ex-husband Kanye West. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024

Some of the biggest influencers say Amazon pays them more than $10,000 monthly in commissions. —Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024

If an influencer devises a recipe as part of a checkoff campaign, there’s the question of who owns that recipe. —Tim Forster, Bon Appétit, 16 Apr. 2024

Roughly 70% of Gen Z actively avoid or unfollow influencers who promote products. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024

The agency has a robust digital department with clients such as TikTok mega influencer turned actor and singer Addison Rae, creator turned singer Chase Hudson – a.k.a Huddy – and TikToker and educator Taylor Cassidy. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Apr. 2024

Many people feel that these body positive influencers have profited off of the plus size or the fat community over time throughout their careers. —Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

Kyle Thomas — who's known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers — is a celebrity astrologer who writes PEOPLE's weekly horoscopes. —Kyle Thomas, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above