noun
artiste
ar-TEEST/ɑrˈtist/
A professional performer in the arts.
The costumed artiste skillfully juggles several clubs under the theater lights.
Etymology
The underlying idea is a practitioner of an art or skill. As artist became more closely associated with visual art, artiste filled a gap for other skilled practitioners, including professional entertainers.
More examples
- The cabaret features artistes from across the country.
- Each artiste rehearses before the evening performance.
- The celebrated artiste returns to the stage for an encore.
Forms
artiste · artistes
Similar words
- performer
- Performer is more neutral, without artiste's suggestion of refinement.
- entertainer
- Entertainer emphasizes amusing an audience rather than displaying artistic skill.