a person such as an actor, singer, dancer, or musician who entertains an audience
The street performer juggled flaming torches, drawing a curious crowd.
Hundreds of performers prepared backstage before the big music festival began.
✦ From the verb perform + -er, first recorded in the 16th century.
a person, team, or thing that achieves a particular level of success or effectiveness at a task
Jamal was the top performer in the sales department this quarter.
This affordable laptop is a solid performer for everyday tasks.
✦ Extended from the entertainment sense to general success by metaphorical usage in the 19th century.
