noun
raconteur
rak-on-TUR
Raconteur (noun) means a person who is skilled at telling stories in an entertaining, vivid way, especially anecdotes from their own life. Example: “Her grandfather was a magnificent raconteur who could hold a table for hours.”
noun
1
A person who is skilled at telling stories in an entertaining, vivid way, especially anecdotes from their own life.
"Her grandfather was a magnificent raconteur who could hold a table for hours."
"As a raconteur he was unbeatable; as a witness, less reliable."
How to use raconteur
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is really good at telling entertaining stories.
When to use it
Formal and complimentary, common in obituaries and profiles.
Memory tip
Note the spelling: raconteur has no k, despite the pronunciation.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a gifted raconteur
born raconteur
wit and raconteur
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Her grandfather was a magnificent _____ who could hold a table for hours.
Etymology
From French raconteur, from raconter 'to relate, to tell', ultimately from conter 'to tell'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for raconteur
fleur
voyeur
masseur
amateur
liqueur
Pasteur
Lafleur
saboteur
monsieur
grandeur
chauffeur
connoisseur
See all rhymes for raconteur →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a raconteur and a storyteller?
A storyteller may perform any narrative, including fiction and folk tales, often to an audience. A raconteur works conversationally, usually with true or embellished anecdotes, and the appeal is as much in the delivery and timing as in the events.
Is there a feminine form of raconteur?
French has raconteuse, and it occasionally appears in English, but modern usage treats raconteur as applying to anyone. Most style guides now prefer the single form.
How do you pronounce raconteur?
rak-on-TUR, with the stress on the final syllable. The final -eur is closer to "tur" than "tour".
What is the meaning of raconteur?
"raconteur" (noun) means a person who is skilled at telling stories in an entertaining, vivid way, especially anecdotes from their own life.
