showman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showman" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who is skilled at entertaining or performing, often in a theatrical or circus context. Example: "The showman captivated the audience with his dazzling tricks and charismatic personality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A landmark moment in his career, these shows saw Elvis shape-shift from teen icon into a white jumpsuit-wearing showman, and became the start of the Vegas period, which continued until his death on 16 August 1977.

The Guardian - Music

In 1985, when Freddie Mercury and Queen reigned over Live Aid, it would have seemed unthinkable that within just six years the great showman would be dead, never mind that in 2015 two of his bandmates would tour with an American Idol talent show runner-up performing the old songs.

The Guardian - Music

Much of the night belonged to the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra, which stormed the film or miniseries category: Michael Douglas won the best actor award for his portrayal of the much-sequinned showman, Steven Soderbergh won the best director Emmy, and it was named best movie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Where the band's earlier tours with heterosexual, macho, ex-Free, bluesy shouter Paul Rodgers felt wrong, the black leathered, bequiffed, nail varnished Lambert is every bit the showman that was Mercury.

The Guardian - Music

He's solid-looking, handsome: a bulky, straight showman dishing out blowsy balladry, which should sound and look absurd, but that evening the Bowery Ballroom crowd delight in Newman's apparent sincerity.

The Guardian - Music

Boris calls himself an "anarcho-Tory", and in playing the prudent steward, the creative entrepreneur and the boisterous showman all at once, makes good his claim.

The Guardian

Marinetti, a showman who liked to call himself "the caffeine of Europe" for the energy he put into promoting the futurist movement, was an early fan of Benito Mussolini and took part in the founding of the fascist movement in 1919.

The Economist

That is no doubt helped by the fact that its corporate biography is so closely bound up with the mercurial Mr Jobs, a rare showman in his industry.

The Economist

Strong in his own judgments, he has never been over-bothered by fashion or by pigeon-holing but has loved, and exhibited, all sorts of modern art.He was quick to understand that a museum director must be a showman.

The Economist

The chance to find out came when a German showman was apprehended luring a group of Mbuti to Europe, to be displayed at the 1900 Paris Exhibition.

The Economist

WHATEVER else you think of Larry Ellison, the billionaire boss of Oracle, the world's second-largest software company, he is a great showman.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showman" when you want to emphasize someone's skill in presenting and promoting events or performances, often with a flair for the dramatic and a focus on entertainment.

Common error

Avoid using "showman" as a generic term for any entertainer. "Showman" implies a degree of spectacle, promotion, and often, business acumen, which may not be present in every entertainer.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "showman" is as a noun, typically referring to a person skilled in producing or presenting shows. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

19%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "showman" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes a person skilled at producing or presenting shows, especially with flair and charisma. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it appears most often in News & Media, and also in Encyclopedia entries, reflecting its relevance in describing figures in the entertainment industry. While synonyms like "entertainer" or "performer" exist, "showman" uniquely emphasizes spectacle and promotional skill. When using "showman", be mindful of its specific connotation beyond just 'entertainer', focusing on the business and promotional aspects of creating a captivating performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entertainer

A more general term for someone who provides amusement or enjoyment to an audience.

performer

Focuses on the act of performing, often in a theatrical or musical context.

impresario

Emphasizes the role of a manager or producer of theatrical or musical events.

promoter

Highlights the aspect of advertising and publicizing events or individuals.

publicist

Specializes in managing the public image and media relations of a person or organization.

master of ceremonies

Focuses on hosting and guiding an event, often with humor and charisma.

ringmaster

Specifically refers to the host of a circus performance.

exhibitionist

Suggests a flamboyant and attention-seeking personality.

personality

Broader term describing someone with a distinctive and engaging public persona.

entertainments director

Individual who manages and organizes various forms of entertainment.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone a "showman"?

Calling someone a "showman" implies they are skilled at entertaining and presenting performances or events, often with a focus on spectacle, promotion, and charismatic presentation.

What are some synonyms for "showman"?

Synonyms for "showman" include "entertainer", "performer", "impresario", and "promoter", depending on the specific context.

How do you use "showman" in a sentence?

You can use "showman" to describe someone known for their skill in putting on engaging and captivating shows. For example, "The silver-haired showman tried to talk up GM's prospects."

Is it appropriate to use "showman" in formal writing?

Yes, "showman" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing individuals involved in entertainment, promotion, or event management, as demonstrated by its usage in publications like The Economist and The Guardian.