minstrel

[ min-struhl ]

noun

1. a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour.
2. a musician, singer, or poet.
3. one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men in blackface, presenting songs, jokes, etc., and portraying negative racial stereotypes.

minstrel

/ ˈmɪnstrəl /

noun

1. a medieval wandering musician who performed songs or recited poetry with instrumental accompaniment
2. a performer in a minstrel show
3. archaic.
   any poet, musician, or singer

Word History and Origins

Origin of minstrel¹

1175–1225; Middle English ministrel < Old French < Late Latin ministeriālis servant (noun use of adj.); ministerial

Word History and Origins

Origin of minstrel¹

C13: from Old French menestral, from Late Latin ministeriālis an official, from Latin minister

Example Sentences

However, the banjo's creation eventually became a blending between West African and European traditions mostly due to minstrel shows in the 1800s.

From Salon

It’s deeply satisfying to him to be part of “the storytelling club of minstrels.”

From Los Angeles Times

Blackface performances date back to minstrel shows of the 1800s, in which performers darkened their faces to create bigoted caricatures of Black people.

From Seattle Times

“If you merry minstrels want to knock off, you can,” says Mr. Van Deusen.

From Literature

Redd’s father took him to see traveling minstrel shows when he was a boy, and he was particularly struck by the one-legged tap dancer Peg Leg Bates moving to the rhythm of a trap drummer.

From New York Times

Related Words

• troubadour