Crossword puzzles have long been a favourite pastime across the United Kingdom. They test vocabulary, general knowledge, and the ability to think laterally. Among the wide range of clues, one of the most common and flexible is the phrase “entertainer crossword” clue. Solvers regularly encounter it in various forms, whether it stands alone as “Entertainer” or appears in longer constructions such as “Popular entertainer,” “Street entertainer,” or “Entertainer perhaps.”
Understanding the Clue “Entertainer”
When you see “entertainer” in a crossword, the setter may be looking for:
- A job title: actor, singer, dancer, jester, comedian.
- A general descriptive word: artist, performer, player.
- A specific name: Cedric (as in Cedric the Entertainer).
- An archaic or crossword-friendly synonym: artiste, amuser, humorist.
The trick is recognising that the clue is usually very direct. Unlike cryptic clues, which can involve wordplay, the straightforward “entertainer” clue usually expects a synonym. That is why it appears so frequently in quick crosswords, newspaper dailies, and puzzle books.
Common Answers for “Entertainer Crossword”
Over the years, certain words have become staple answers to this clue. Here are the most reliable options based on length:
Four to Five Letters
- Host – someone presenting a show.
- Emcee – American spelling of MC, short for Master of Ceremonies.
- Actor – a performer on stage or screen.
- Fool – historically a court jester.
Six Letters
- Busker – a street entertainer.
- Jester – a comic figure of medieval courts.
- Player – theatre player or musician.
- Dancer – a performing artist.
- Hoofer – informal term for a dancer.
Seven Letters
- Artiste – crossword favourite, borrowed from French.
- Amuser – though less common, occasionally used.
- Juggler – a literal type of entertainer.
- Acrobat – circus performer.
Eight to Nine Letters
- Performer – one of the broadest and most accurate synonyms.
- Humorist – someone who entertains with wit.
- Presenter – especially in the context of television or radio.
Longer or Variant Answers
- Comedian – one of the most direct answers.
- Magician – another popular choice for themed crosswords.
- Impressionist – often seen in more difficult grids.
The Role of Word Length and Cross Letters
Word length is critical when solving “entertainer” clues. For instance:
- A 5-letter clue is more likely to be “actor” or “host.”
- A 6-letter clue may be “busker” if the theme relates to the street, or “jester” if the crossword leans historical.
- A 9-letter space often resolves into “performer” or “presenter.”
Cross letters from other answers are the solver’s best friend. They instantly reduce the pool of possibilities. If the second letter is “C,” for example, “actor” becomes a strong candidate.
Entertainer Crossword in Cryptic Puzzles
In cryptic crosswords, “entertainer” might not be the definition alone. It can be part of a longer misdirection. For example:
- “Entertainer with cards” → could lead to magician.
- “Comic entertainer loses head” → dropping the first letter of “comic” could yield “omic,” which might fit a more obscure solution.
- “Entertainer, a fool perhaps” → the answer might be “jester.”
Cryptic setters love the word “entertainer” because it can mean so many different things.
Why Crossword Setters Use “Entertainer” Frequently
There are several reasons why the clue appears so often:
- Flexibility – it has synonyms across many lengths.
- Familiarity – most solvers understand what an entertainer is, making it accessible.
- Theme Friendly – entertainment, theatre, and comedy are common puzzle themes.
- Crossword Fit – words like “actor,” “host,” and “artiste” contain useful letters (vowels and consonants) that help fill grids.
Solving Strategies for “Entertainer Crossword”
1. Start with the Obvious
Always test simple answers first: actor, host, comic, artist. These appear more often than obscure terms.
2. Consider the Context
Look at surrounding clues. If the crossword has a circus theme, “juggler” or “acrobat” may be more likely. If it’s television-related, “presenter” or “host” fits better.
3. Use Letter Patterns
When you have a partial answer, match the pattern to known entertainers. For example, “_C_OR” almost always becomes “actor.”
4. Think Historically
In older or more traditional puzzles, you might see archaic words like “minstrel” or “bard” clued as entertainer.
5. Watch for American vs British Usage
British puzzles tend to use “compere” for a host, while American ones prefer “emcee.” Always consider the source.
Historical Entertainers in Crossword Clues
Beyond generic synonyms, setters sometimes allude to famous individuals. “Cedric” is a recurring answer, referencing the comedian Cedric the Entertainer. Similarly, puzzles may include “Chaplin” or “Laurel” as part of themed grids. Recognising these references adds another dimension to solving.
The Joy of Discovery
One reason crossword enthusiasts enjoy the “entertainer” clue is its versatility. Unlike highly technical terms, it invites imagination. Each time you solve it, you feel a small moment of satisfaction—whether it resolves into a simple “actor” or a clever “busker.”
Tips to Improve Your Crossword Skills
- Build a Synonym Bank – keep a mental list of common answers for recurring clues like “entertainer.”
- Practise Daily – regular exposure builds familiarity with setters’ styles.
- Start with Easy Crosswords – work through quick crosswords before tackling cryptic or themed ones.
- Crossword Dictionaries – consider using them when you are stuck. They list synonyms by clue.
- Learn Wordplay Indicators – especially useful in cryptics, where “entertainer” might be only part of the clue.
Why “Entertainer Crossword” is a Popular Search
Many puzzle solvers search for “entertainer crossword” online because:
- They encounter the clue often and want a quick answer list.
- They are stuck on longer versions like “Street entertainer” or “Entertainer perhaps.”
- They want to build familiarity with common crossword vocabulary.
By understanding the reasoning behind the clue, solvers not only complete the puzzle but also expand their vocabulary and knowledge of cultural references.
Conclusion
The clue “entertainer crossword” may look simple, but it has a fascinating depth. From short, everyday answers like “host” and “actor” to longer, more challenging solutions like “performer” or “magician,” it keeps solvers on their toes. Its flexibility makes it a favourite among crossword setters, and its recognisability ensures it remains a fixture in British puzzles.
Whether you are a casual solver filling in a newspaper grid on the train, or a serious cryptic enthusiast chasing every nuance, knowing the common solutions to “entertainer” clues will make your journey smoother. With practice, you will find yourself spotting the right word almost instantly—and enjoying the quiet triumph that comes with every filled square.
