minstrel Definition
- 1a medieval singer or musician, especially one who sang or recited lyric or heroic poetry to a musical accompaniment for the nobility
- 2a modern entertainer who performs songs, music, or poetry, especially in a folk or popular style
Using minstrel: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "minstrel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The minstrel played a lute and sang a ballad.
Example
The king's court was entertained by a group of minstrels.
Example
The festival featured a variety of minstrels and performers.
Example
He is a talented minstrel who writes and performs his own songs.
minstrel Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for minstrel
Idioms Using minstrel
to act in a subservient or obsequious manner, especially to gain favor or approval
Example
He played the minstrel to his boss, always agreeing with him and never expressing his own opinions.
Example
The comedian felt like a minstrel in the gallery, performing to a crowd that didn't seem to find him funny.
minstrel blood
talent or skill in music or singing, especially inherited or innate
Example
She comes from a family of musicians and has minstrel blood in her veins.
Phrases with minstrel
a type of entertainment that originated in the US in the 19th century featuring white performers in blackface who sang and danced in a caricatured portrayal of African Americans
Example
Minstrel shows were widely popular in the US until the early 20th century.
court minstrel
a musician or singer who performed for the nobility in a royal court
Example
The court minstrel played a harp and sang a song for the queen.
a contemporary performer who draws inspiration from traditional folk music and storytelling
Example
The singer-songwriter is often referred to as a modern minstrel, with his focus on acoustic guitar and lyrics that tell stories.
Origins of minstrel
from Old French 'menestrel', from Late Latin 'ministerialis', meaning 'servant'
Summary: minstrel in Brief
The term 'minstrel' [ˈmɪnstrəl] refers to a medieval singer or musician who performed lyric or heroic poetry for the nobility, or a modern entertainer who performs songs, music, or poetry in a folk or popular style. It extends into phrases like 'minstrel show,' which caricatured African Americans, and idioms like 'play the minstrel,' meaning to act subserviently. 'Minstrel' also denotes talent or skill in music, as in 'minstrel blood.'
