What does "showman" mean?
A person (usually a man) involved in putting on shows (of various types); especially, one who plays a central role in doing so.
Showman
name, noun
name, noun ·2 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person (usually a man) involved in putting on shows (of various types); especially, one who plays a central role in doing so.
- Grammar: showman is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: auteur, ballyhoo man, barker, basketeer.
- Useful contrasts: audience member, spectator.
- Usage evidence: “What do you think of that?” cried the detective, with the air of a showman exhibiting his show. “This was overlooked because it was in the darkest corner of the room, and no one thought of looking there. The murderer has written it with his or her own blood. See this smear where it has trickled down the wall! That disposes of the idea of suicide anyhow. Why was that corner chosen to write it on? I will tell you. See that candle on the mantelpiece. It was lit at the time, and if it was lit this corner would be the brightest instead of the darkest portion of the wall.”
How to use "showman"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "showman" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "showman" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "showman" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "showman" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "showman" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "auteur" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "showman", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person (usually a man) involved in putting on shows (of various types); especially, one who plays a central role in doing so.
"a consummate showman"
- 2 a male sponsor who books and stages public entertainments wordnet
- 3 A person (usually a man) involved in putting on shows (of various types); especially, one who plays a central role in doing so.; One who produces or presents shows as a profession, especially the proprietor, manager, or MC of a circus or variety show.
- 4 a male person skilled at making effective presentations wordnet
- 5 A person (usually a man) involved in putting on shows (of various types); especially, one who plays a central role in doing so.; One skilled in dramatic or entertaining presentation, performance, or publicity.
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
audience memberspectator
Example
"“What do you think of that?” cried the detective, with the air of a showman exhibiting his show. “This was overlooked because it was in the darkest corner of the room, and no one thought of looking there. The murderer has written it with his or her own blood. See this smear where it has trickled down the wall! That disposes of the idea of suicide anyhow. Why was that corner chosen to write it on? I will tell you. See that candle on the mantelpiece. It was lit at the time, and if it was lit this corner would be the brightest instead of the darkest portion of the wall.”"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "showman"?
Common synonyms include: auteur, ballyhoo man, barker, basketeer, callboy, costume designer.
How do you use "showman" in a sentence?
“What do you think of that?” cried the detective, with the air of a showman exhibiting his show. “This was overlooked because it was in the darkest corner of the room, and no one thought of looking there. The murderer has written it with his or her own blood. See this smear where it has trickled down the wall! That disposes of the idea of suicide anyhow. Why was that corner chosen to write it on? I will tell you. See that candle on the mantelpiece. It was lit at the time, and if it was lit this corner would be the brightest instead of the darkest portion of the wall.”
Etymology
From show + -man.