spellbinder

noun

spell·​bind·​er ˈspel-ˌbīn-dər How to pronounce spellbinder (audio)
: a speaker of compelling eloquence
also : one that compels attention

Examples of spellbinder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web William Jennings Bryan, the evangelical spellbinder from Nebraska, argued in the 1896 presidential election that McKinley Republicans were the party of corporate power, corporate subsidies, and the gold standard. Brenda Wineapple, New Republic, 21 Dec. 2017 This performance was, more often than not, a spellbinder. Richard S. Ginell, latimes.com, 20 Apr. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spellbinder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spellbinder was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near spellbinder

Cite this Entry

“Spellbinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spellbinder. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spellbinder

noun
spell·​bind·​er ˈspel-ˌbīn-dər How to pronounce spellbinder (audio)
1
: a very powerful speaker
2
: one that compels attention

More from Merriam-Webster on spellbinder

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!