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

Wellness influencers are promoting nicotine pouches as a way to boost alertness and focus. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026

Its pitch to college partners centers on three different potential avenues for generating revenue—the sale of DBGI stock issued under deals, millions in influencer marketing campaigns spent on individual college athletes and a cut of apparel sales via each school’s standard licensing agreements. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026

Their eldest son, 31-year-old wine entrepreneur Jesse, welcomed a daughter with his influencer wife Jesse Light this past November. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

Nevertheless, the influencer makes time, sharing some of the last-minute items on his to-do list ahead of the big day. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 12 May 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