showman

noun

show·​man ˈshō-mən How to pronounce showman (audio)
1
: the producer of a play or theatrical show
2
: a notably spectacular, dramatic, or effective performer
showmanship noun

Examples of showman 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.
The bigger than life showman stood 6 feet and 7 inches, weighed around 300 lbs. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 Thomas, ever the showman, leaned over and jokingly tried to cast a Harry Potter-style spell on the ball. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 As far back as the 1840s, P.T. Barnum, perhaps the first real American showman, exploited this reliable tactic. Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The time O’Brien spent around sets appears to have honed his showman instincts. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for showman

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showman was in 1728

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Cite this Entry

“Showman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showman. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

showman

noun
show·​man ˈshō-mən How to pronounce showman (audio)
1
: the producer of a theatrical show
2
: a person having a special skill for presenting something in a dramatic way
showmanship noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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