MINSTREL Definition & Meaning

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minstrel

[ min-struhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
a musician, singer, or poet.
one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men in blackface, presenting songs, jokes, etc., and portraying negative racial stereotypes.

minstrel

/ ˈ��ɪ�Բ��ٰ�ə�� /

noun

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

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of minstrel¹

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

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of minstrel¹

C13: from Old French menestral, from Late Latin ��Ծ��ٱ�� an official, from Latin minister

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The new critique of politicians of color like Donalds, Scott and Robinson should be, Smith argued, "are these people performing like minstrels?"

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NM: It’s such a complicated dance, to try to dismiss them as minstrels while also understanding the quality of their work.

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

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

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

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