minstrel

noun

ˈmin(t)-strəl How to pronounce minstrel (audio)
Definition of minstrelnext
as in poet
a person who writes poetry Edna St. Vincent Millay was unofficially the minstrel of Maine, as her poetry celebrates its coast and countryside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of minstrel Davis shared her thoughts alongside a side-by-side comparison of the costume with 19th-century minstrel imagery, which perpetuated racist stereotypes about Black Americans and involved the use of blackface. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026 Retailer Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its shelves Monday after widespread social media backlash, apologizing for selling a garment critics said evoked racist minstrel caricatures. — Nancy Jiang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The costume and the posture of the model in the photo drew comparisons online to images of the racist theatrical character Jim Crow, a staple in blackface minstrel shows, which dehumanized Black people. — Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Target is apologizing for selling a children's Halloween costume that some described as reminiscent of racist minstrel caricatures. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minstrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minstrel
poet
Noun
  • Three Georgia poets have new poetry collections out this fall.
    — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Accomplished poet and nonfiction writer Brandon Shimoda brings his love of lyricism to this memoir, a portrait of his grandfather that excavates a century of xenophobia and silence in America.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of poet

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minstrel
minstrels
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Cite this Entry

“Minstrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minstrel. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on minstrel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minstrel

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