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

For nearly four decades, painter Leslie Allen has worked at the ICB, the Industrial Center Building, home to dozens of artists. — Itay Hod, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Wiley noted that his role as the painter of President Barack Obama’s official portrait —mentioned by Scavino in a podcast interview—might have something to do with the work’s targeting. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2026

European painters, especially the Pre-Raphaelites, notably Dante Gabriel Rossetti, really loved the color. — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 29, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

The British pop painter and sculptor Antony Donaldson has died at age 86. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 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 entry 1

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