artiste: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal to Semi-formal, often pretentious or journalistic
Quick answer
What does “artiste” mean?
A professional performer or entertainer, especially one in music, dance, or variety theatre, often implying a high level of skill or artistic flair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A professional performer or entertainer, especially one in music, dance, or variety theatre, often implying a high level of skill or artistic flair.
Sometimes used more broadly to refer to anyone who is highly skilled in a creative or performance-based profession, including chefs, hair stylists, etc., emphasizing an artistic or flamboyant aspect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English; in American English, 'performer', 'entertainer', or simply 'artist' might be preferred. 'Artiste' can sound pretentious in AmE.
Connotations
In BrE, it can denote a skilled variety performer, sometimes with a slightly old-fashioned or theatrical flavour. In AmE, it is rare and often perceived as an affectation.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both, but significantly more attested in BrE texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “artiste” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + artiste[Adjective] + artisteartiste + [prepositional phrase (e.g., of the stage)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “artiste” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Artiste' is not used as a verb.
American English
- 'Artiste' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- 'Artiste' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Artiste' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- 'Artiste' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- 'Artiste' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in entertainment industry contracts or billing (e.g., 'The headline artiste').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or cultural studies of performance.
Everyday
Uncommon; used self-consciously or humorously.
Technical
Used in theatre/film/variety production contexts to specify a performer.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “artiste”
- Using 'artiste' to refer to a painter or sculptor (use 'artist').
- Misspelling as 'artist'.
- Overusing it in American English where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While related, 'artist' broadly covers creators in visual, musical, and other arts. 'Artiste' specifically denotes a professional performer, typically in music, dance, or variety entertainment.
You can, but it is rare and may sound pretentious or deliberately old-fashioned. Terms like 'performer', 'entertainer', or even 'artist' are more common and natural in AmE.
A 'thespian' is specifically an actor. An 'artiste' is a broader term for a skilled stage performer, which could include singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, etc., not necessarily actors.
No, it is gender-neutral, like 'artist' or 'performer'. It can refer to any gender.
A professional performer or entertainer, especially one in music, dance, or variety theatre, often implying a high level of skill or artistic flair.
Artiste is usually formal to semi-formal, often pretentious or journalistic in register.
Artiste: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːˈtiːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːrˈtiːst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms specifically with 'artiste'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ART + iste (like in 'pianISTE' or specialIST). An 'artiste' is a specialist in the performing ARTs.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFORMER AS ARTISAN/CRAFTSPERSON (implies skilled creation of an experience).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'artiste' most appropriately used?