painter

1 of 3

noun (1)

paint·​er ˈpān-tər 

: one that paints: such as

a

: an artist who paints

b

: one who applies paint especially as an occupation

painter

2 of 3

noun (2)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər 

: a line used for securing or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3

noun (3)

pain·​ter ˈpān-tər 

: cougar sense 1

Examples of painter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His most enduring relationship was with the Russian painter Pavlik Tchelitchew. —Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026

The museum also touted its acquisition of a large-scale landscape by Anselm Kiefer, a German painter whose foundation counts Sirén as its president. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Beyond fashioning stunning décor, Joseon court painters were tasked with recording major events. —Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

As young girls begin to go missing, Iris falls in with a shadowy, brutish painter Louis (George Webster) who promises her an education in the arts. —Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English paynter, probably from Middle French dialect (Normandy) pentoir, penteur clothesline, from pendre to hang — more at pendant

Noun (3)

alteration of panther

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

circa 1764, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing painter

• painter's colic

Rhymes for painter

• fainter

Kids Definition

painter

1 of 3 noun

paint·​er ˈpānt-ər 

: one that paints

especially : an artist who paints

painter

2 of 3 noun

pain·​ter

: a line used for attaching or towing a boat

painter

3 of 3 noun

pain·​ter

: cougar

Etymology

Noun

from paint (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

Middle English paynter "a line used for securing a boat," probably from early French pentoir, penteur "clothesline"

Noun

an altered form of panther