: one that paints: such as
a
: an artist who paints
b
: one who applies paint especially as an occupation
: a line used for securing or towing a boat

Examples of painter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
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 Landscape painters liked the Connecticut River, and Nebel’s mentor, James Earle Fraser, designer of the Buffalo nickel and a lot of other Americana, had settled in Westport, building himself a custom studio. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for painter

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of painter was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Painter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painter. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

painter

1 of 3 noun
: 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

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