noun

raconteur

rak-ahn-TER/ˌrækɑːnˈtɜːr/

A person skilled at telling entertaining stories.

My uncle is a gifted raconteur who keeps everyone laughing.

An animated storyteller captivates two friends in a small seated gathering, using a comically exaggerated reenactment gesture while one listener laughs and the other leans forward in delighted anticipation.

Etymology

rFrenchagain

+acontOld Frenchto count, render an account

+eurFrenchperson who does something

The older idea of counting or rendering an account developed into recounting events. The person-forming ending names the teller, especially someone skilled at making stories engaging or amusing.

More examples

A natural raconteur, she turns everyday mishaps into hilarious stories.
The best raconteurs know when to pause before a punch line.
At dinner, the usually quiet professor proves to be a wonderful raconteur.

Forms

raconteur · raconteurs

Similar words

storyteller: Broader term, without necessarily implying skill or entertaining delivery.
narrator: Relates a story but need not charm or entertain listeners.