performer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "performer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "performer" to refer to someone who entertains an audience through singing, dancing, acting, or other means of entertainment. For example: "The audience was captivated by the talented performers on stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Business

Music

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jane, an actor, said she accepted a job as a background performer for Cyrus's performance at the end of August.

The Guardian

Mulligan is already a well-regarded stage performer, having turned in an acclaimed performance as Nina in Ian Rickson's 2007 Royal Court revival of The Seagull, which subsequently transferred to Broadway.

The Guardian

When asked who performed best, Sturgeon topped the net rankings (best performer minus worst performer) in all three polls that asked that question.

The Guardian

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

The Guardian - Sport

A performer and a pest in equal measure.

The Guardian - Sport

I can see Dad's hand shaking and the performer can't understand what's he's saying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our work is designed to be one-on-one, an experience shared by a performer and a spectator alone.

The Guardian

Each new performer will be greeted by sighs of dis may and hoots of derision, usually during the crucial bit of dialogue on which your enjoyment depends.

The Guardian

Mulligan's conviction that she could succeed as a performer resulted in an introduction to a casting director through Fellowes and then – to her family's surprise – a small but visible part in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, playing the "silly" fourth Bennet sister, Kitty.

The Guardian - Film

Gonzalo Higuaín was the star performer for Napoli, his first European hat-trick guiding the Italian side to a 3-1 victoverover Dynamo Moscow.

The Guardian - Sport

Italy also returned to growth, with GDP expanding by 0.3%, and Spain was a star performer, growing by 0.9%.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "performer" when referring to someone who presents or enacts a role before an audience, be it in arts, sports, or professional contexts. This term is versatile and widely understood.

Common error

While "performer" is versatile, it might sound less formal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more specific terms like "expert", "specialist", or "professional" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The word "performer" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an individual who engages in a performance, whether artistic, athletic, or professional. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Business

8%

Music

7%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "performer" is a versatile noun widely used to describe individuals who present or execute a skill or role before an audience. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent use across various contexts, including news and media, sports, and lifestyle. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider more specific terms in formal settings to ensure precision. When seeking alternatives, consider "entertainer", "artist", or "actor" based on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing artist

Emphasizes the artistic nature of the performance.

entertainer

Highlights the role of providing amusement and enjoyment to an audience.

artiste

Suggests a sophisticated and skilled performer, often in a theatrical context.

actor

Specifically refers to someone who portrays a character in a play, film, or television show.

musician

Denotes a performer who plays a musical instrument or sings.

player

Can refer to someone participating in a sport or a theatrical performance.

expert

Refers to someone highly skilled in a specific field.

specialist

Emphasizes focused proficiency in a particular area.

star

Highlights someone of notable fame and skill.

leading light

Implies prominence and influence within a specific domain.

FAQs

How to use "performer" in a sentence?

You can use "performer" to refer to someone who entertains an audience, such as: "The audience was captivated by the talented "performer" on stage."

What can I say instead of "performer"?

You can use alternatives like "entertainer", "artist", or "actor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "performer" or "performing artist"?

Both ""performer"" and "performing artist" are correct. "Performing artist" emphasizes the artistic nature of the performance.

What's the difference between "performer" and "expert"?

"Performer" typically refers to someone who entertains an audience, while "expert" describes someone with specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area.