painter

1 of 3

noun (1)

paint·​er ˈpān-tər 

: one that paints: such as

a

: an artist who paints

b

: one who applies paint especially as an occupation

painter

2 of 3

noun (2)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər 

: a line used for securing or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3

noun (3)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər 

: cougar sense 1

Examples of painter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While miniature portraits had grown in popularity before the advent of photography, Shushan estimates that only a dozen or so renowned artists were making eye portraits, including the painters George Engleheart and Richard Cosway. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

The Paiute painter, a member of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe in Hungry Valley, Nevada, is the fifth recipient of the $15,000 award. — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026

The backstory La Playa was built in 1905 by landscape painter Chris Jorgensen (he's known for his work depicting California landscapes; a number of his paintings are displayed at the property) for his wife, chocolate heiress Angela Ghirardelli. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Piedmont Park Arts Festival This long-standing arts festival brings out more than 250 sculptors, painters, leatherworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and more. — Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English paynter, probably from Middle French dialect (Normandy) pentoir, penteur clothesline, from pendre to hang — more at pendant

Noun (3)

alteration of panther

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

circa 1764, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing painter

• painter's colic

Rhymes for painter

• fainter

Kids Definition

painter

1 of 3 noun

paint·​er ˈpānt-ər 

: one that paints

especially : an artist who paints

painter

2 of 3 noun

pain·​ter

: a line used for attaching or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3 noun

pain·​ter

: cougar

Etymology

Noun

from paint (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

Middle English paynter "a line used for securing a boat," probably from early French pentoir, penteur "clothesline"

Noun

an altered form of panther