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keynoter

keynoter

1 5.6
A person who gives the main speech at a conference or event
  • noun
  • /ˈkiːˌnoʊtər/
  • US
translation icon : ponente principal
  • If you missed your chance at FreedomFest, fear not: there may be something like Powerup360 coming to a town near you with an equally illustrative keynoter list, as it did to SW Idaho last month.

Examples

  • The keynoter delivered an inspiring speech that motivated everyone at the conference.

  • Not only does he have to decline one last speaking engagement for the party that made him the keynoter, but now he has to rub salt in the wound.

    Blog text (34)
  • In any case, rumor has it Lizzie Warren is up for keynoter (keynotress?) at the convention.

    Blog text (30)
  • The nation saw Obama in his bomber jacket, accompanied by Republican keynoter Gov. Chris Christie, as he visited the devastated areas of New Jersey hit by Hurricane Sandy.

    Blog text (9)
  • Thanks to our wonderful keynoters, Maria Luisa Arroyo and Ann Hood, and to all our panelists who shared their knowledge and experience, often entertainingly.

    Blog text (24)
  • At the industry summit, the keynoter discussed innovative ideas for sustainable development.

  • She was selected as the keynoter for the annual awards ceremony due to her remarkable achievements.

Synonyms

keynote speaker
vskeynoter
18 3.7

A main speaker at a conference who gives the most important talk

is the person who simply gives the main speech without stressing theme setting

How Prominent

headliner
24 4.6
keynoter
  • US
1 5.6
speaker
478 2.1
lecturer
42 3.1
presenter
  • Formal
11 3.2

Surface Forms

keynoter singular
keynoters plural

Morphology

keynoter = keynote (transparent) = key + note + er

This is a standard agentive formation meaning 'a person who gives the keynote speech'.

Etymology

Keynoter comes from keynote, which joins key ('main' or 'important') and note ('sound' or 'message'), with -er meaning 'one who'. A keynote was originally the main musical note that sets the key for a song, so a keynoter is the person who gives the main speech and sets the event's tone.