barker

/ˈbɑrkər/

Other forms: barkers

A barker is a person whose job involves advertising a show or a circus, encouraging passing pedestrians to buy a ticket. A traveling carnival might employ a barker to describe its attractions.

A barker's job includes detailing the highlights of the show or fair he's trying to sell. An old-fashioned sideshow carnival barker might call to passers-by, describing the bearded lady or human pincushion inside. In the 15th century, a barker was a "noisy fellow," which became a "loud assistant or salesman" by the late 17th century. It comes from bark, from its Old English root beorcan, "to bark."

Definitions of barker

1. noun

   someone who stands in front of a show (as at a carnival) and gives a loud colorful sales talk to potential customers
   type of:

   booster, plugger, promoter

   someone who is an active supporter and advocate
2. noun

   informal terms for dogs
   synonyms: bow-wow, doggie, doggy, pooch

   type of:

   Canis familiaris, dog, domestic dog

   a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds