barker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McLuhan was seen as more of a carnival barker than a scholar, and people—clearly—didn’t heed his warnings about technology.

From Slate • Jul. 28, 2025

The fittingly named act takes a side-long view of the daily grind, with frontman Jake Silvas sounding equal parts carnival barker and seer as he mocks hustle culture, corporate ladders and better living through chemistry.

From Salon • Jun. 28, 2025

Parker, a Dutch-born carnival barker turned music impresario, was Presley’s longtime manager and known and often criticized for his cutthroat business style.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

Did the old carny barker play out a shattering real-life version of “Nightmare Alley,” his favorite movie, where he turned the most successful solo recording artist of all time into the geek?

From New York Times • May 21, 2022

“Lookit this ’ere boy!” he shouted, like he was a barker at the county fair and me the prize pig.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns