Definition of minstrel
1 : one of a class of medieval musical entertainers; especially : a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp wandering minstrels
3a : any of a troupe of performers typically giving a program of black American melodies, jokes, and impersonations and usually wearing blackfaceb : a performance by a troupe of minstrels
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Examples of minstrel in a Sentence
Edna St. Vincent Millay was unofficially the minstrel of Maine, as her poetry celebrates its coast and countryside.
Recent Examples of minstrel from the Web
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Paul and Storm, dressed as minstrels, opened the show and inserted various themes at appropriate (and inappropriate) times.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minstrel'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of minstrel
Middle English menestrel, from Anglo-French menestral official, servant, minstrel, from Late Latin ministerialis imperial household officer, from Latin ministerium service, from minister servant — more at minister
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Performing Arts Terms
MINSTREL Defined for English Language Learners
minstrel
playDefinition of minstrel for English Language Learners
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: a musical entertainer in the Middle Ages
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: a member of a group of entertainers who performed black American songs and jokes usually with blackened faces
MINSTREL Defined for Kids
minstrel
playDefinition of minstrel for Students
1 : a musical entertainer in the Middle Ages
2 : a member of a group of entertainers who performed black American melodies and jokes with blackened faces in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Learn More about minstrel
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for minstrel Spanish Central: Translation of minstrel Nglish: Translation of minstrel for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minstrel
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