Minstrel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in historical contexts to describe medieval performers who traveled, entertaining with songs, stories, and sometimes acting. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to the 19th-century American minstrel shows which perpetuated racial stereotypes.

• The king's minstrel entertained the court with tales of their ancestors.
• Minstrel shows in the 19th century are now rightly criticized for their racist portrayals.

A broad term that can be used in almost any context to describe someone who plays a musical instrument or sings, regardless of style or genre.

• The musician played a beautiful melody on his guitar.
• She is a talented musician who can play several instruments.

Typically used to describe an ancient or medieval poet who composed and recited epic or heroic verses, often associated with a particular culture, like the Celtic bards. Can also be a respectful term for any respected poet.

• Shakespeare is often called the Bard of Avon.
• The bard sang of the hero's journey and the great deeds he had accomplished.

Refers specifically to medieval lyric poets from the Southern France region, often associated with themes of chivalry and courtly love. Used also to describe contemporary performers who write and sing their own songs with poetic lyrics.

• The troubadour sang of love and longing in the castle's courtyard.
• Modern troubadours often perform in small intimate venues, sharing their poetic songs with an attentive audience.

Used to refer to a medieval singer or musician who entertained by playing instruments, singing, or reciting poetry, often traveling between courts and villages.

• The minstrel entertained the village with tales of heroic knights and beautiful maidens.
• In the tavern, a minstrel strummed his lute and sang ballads of old.

Used to describe a musician who is employed to perform music specifically at a royal or noble court. They are part of the court’s regular entertainment.

• The court musician performed a beautiful symphony for the king and his guests.
• She was a talented court musician, always ready to play for royal banquets and ceremonies.

A broader term used to describe any entertainer, whether a musician, jester, or performer, who serves to amuse the royalty at court. This term can encompass musicians, jesters, acrobats, and other performance artists.

• As a royal entertainer, he performed a mix of magic tricks and musical numbers at the queen's birthday celebration.
• The royal entertainer had to keep the court amused through a long, dusty summer.