minstrel

noun
UK: /ˈmɪnstrəl/
US: /ˈmɪnstrəl/

  1. A medieval entertainer who sang songs and told stories, often accompanying themselves with a musical instrument.

    1. The minstrel played a merry tune.
    2. The king employed a minstrel to entertain his guests with tales of valor.

  2. A singer or musician, especially one who travels around and performs.

    1. The minstrel wandered from town to town.
    2. She dreamed of becoming a traveling minstrel, sharing her music with the world.

  3. Historically, a white performer who blackened their face to imitate and ridicule Black people in a racist performance (minstrel show).

    1. Minstrel shows perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
    2. The minstrel act was a degrading portrayal of Black culture.

Synonyms

bard troubadour musician singer

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "minstrel" in English means: A medieval entertainer who sang songs and told stories, often accompanying themselves with a musical instrument., A singer or musician, especially one who travels around and performs., Historically, a white performer who blackened their face to imitate and ridicule Black people in a racist performance (minstrel show)..

The phonetic transcription of "minstrel" is /ˈmɪnstrəl/ in British English and /ˈmɪnstrəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "minstrel": bard, troubadour, musician, singer.

Example usage of "minstrel": "The minstrel played a merry tune.". More examples on the page.