showman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal, occasionally used in informal contexts for emphasis.
Quick answer
What does “showman” mean?
A person who is skilled at presenting performances, events, or themselves in a very entertaining, dramatic, or impressive way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is skilled at presenting performances, events, or themselves in a very entertaining, dramatic, or impressive way.
A person who manages, presents, or promotes events, performances, or products with a flair for spectacle and audience appeal. Can also refer to someone with a natural talent for drawing attention and performing in public or professional situations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “showman” in a Sentence
showman of [art/industry]showman with a flair for [spectacle]showman who [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “showman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- He has a real showman quality about him.
- The showman spirit of the event was infectious.
American English
- His showman instincts took over during the presentation.
- She delivered a showman performance on stage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe CEOs or marketers who are exceptionally charismatic and media-savvy in promoting a company or product.
Academic
Rarely used, except in historical or cultural studies discussing figures like P.T. Barnum.
Everyday
Used to describe someone who is the life of the party, a charismatic teacher, or a flamboyant public figure.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showman”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showman”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He showmaned the event' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'show-off'.
- Using it exclusively for men; 'showwoman' is also used, and 'showman' can be gender-neutral in modern usage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically yes, but modern usage increasingly accepts it as gender-neutral for a person skilled in showmanship. The terms 'showwoman' and 'showperson' are also used.
An 'entertainer' is a broader term for anyone who performs (singer, comedian). A 'showman' specifically emphasizes the skill of presentation, staging, and audience engagement, often associated with the person behind or presenting the entertainment.
Yes, it can imply that style is prioritized over substance. In phrases like 'he's just a showman', it suggests a lack of depth or sincerity behind the impressive presentation.
The related abstract noun is 'showmanship', which refers to the skill or quality of being a showman.
A person who is skilled at presenting performances, events, or themselves in a very entertaining, dramatic, or impressive way.
Showman is usually neutral to formal, occasionally used in informal contexts for emphasis. in register.
Showman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A born showman”
- “All showman, no substance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHOW + MAN: a man (or person) who puts on a great SHOW.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PERFORMANCE; A PUBLIC PERSON IS AN ENTERTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be described as a 'showman'?