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

Often regarded as a draftsman first and a painter second, Raphael gives us evidence here to see why. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

But one artist has regularly refused his requests for a studio visit, and that artist is one of the most secretive painters still alive today. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Named Leonardo after the Renaissance painter, scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci and decorated with lavish chandeliers, antique mirrors and artwork that pays homage to the famous Old Master, the restaurant at 2000 Collins Ave. —Connie Ogle april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026

Not artists — nurses, teachers, baristas Imas is careful to distinguish his argument from a romantic vision of a world full of painters and performers. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 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