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showman

showman

19 4.4
A man who entertains people at public shows or events
  • noun
  • /ˈʃoʊmən/
translation icon : animador
  • " You are quite a showman," his brother called back, his voice muffled by the intervening wall.

I'm just talking about how much I love the greatest showman I know.

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Examples

  • A decent singer and better showman, along with a passable musician.

    Blog text (9)
  • You know, Claude thinks I'm too much of a showman, you know.

  • Do you see yourself as equal parts showman and musician?

    Blog text (11)
  • Leon was just simply a superb showman and a natural leader.

  • He's put you across in Paris like a real showman.

  • Like his father, Creed is ever the showman, and is energizing the crowd.

  • His student Samuelson recalled him as "a great showman" who spoke without notes to large audiences in an unforgettable Viennese accent.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The talented showman captivated the audience with his amazing tricks and charm.

  • Everyone in the theater agreed that the showman delivered a performance they would never forget.

  • As a seasoned showman, he knew exactly how to engage the crowd from start to finish.

Synonyms

performer
vsshowman
261 2.5

A person who entertains people, for example by singing or acting

covers that activity but also includes organising and presenting the event
entertainer
vsshowman
117 2.1

A person who performs to make people laugh or enjoy themselves

adds a role in organising and presenting events beyond mere amusement
emcee
vsshowman
  • Informal
21 7.5

A person who hosts an event and introduces speakers or performers

goes further by organising and shaping the entertainment, not just introductions
MC
vsshowman
  • Formal
16 6.5

A person who introduces speakers and keeps a formal event running

includes that hosting function but also arranges and presents the whole show
presenter
vsshowman
  • Formal
11 3.2

A person who gives items or announces people at a ceremony

extends this by organising, producing, and entertaining within public shows
ringmaster
vsshowman
11 6.0

A person who introduces performers and directs acts in a circus

is similar in directing acts but applies to public events beyond the circus
master of ceremonies
vsshowman
  • Formal
6 4.2

A person who welcomes guests and introduces speakers at a formal event

has similar hosting duties but often also organises and creates the show
cohost
vsshowman
4 3.2

A person who leads a show or event together with another person

typically works alone to organise, present, and entertain at public events
performing artist
vsshowman
1 3.4

A person who entertains people by acting, singing, or dancing

also involves arranging or managing the overall event, not only art performance
toastmaster
vsshowman
  • Formal
1 7.5

A person who introduces speakers and asks people to raise their glasses at a formal event

is less restricted, covering broader event organisation and public entertainment roles
hoster
vsshowman
  • Archaic
1 4.6

A person who presents a TV or radio show and talks to guests

is broader, covering live event organisation and entertainment beyond broadcasting
showperson
vsshowman
6.3

A person who gives exciting talks or performances to an audience

is more about organising or running public events as well as entertaining

Antonyms

123 2.6

A person who watches an event or show without taking part

How Entertaining

star
1.1
performer
261 2.5
showman
19 4.4
presenter
23 2.7

Surface Forms

showman singular
showmen plural

Morphology

showman = show + man (transparent) = show + man

The meaning is a straightforward compound: a man associated with or working in shows, which a typical learner can infer from the parts.

Etymology

Showman is made of show, meaning 'to show' or 'display', and man. So a showman is literally a man who presents and entertains people at public events.