Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large printed picture, notice, or advertisement displayed publicly: A "poster" is typically a sheet of paper or card designed to be attached to a wall or vertical surface to convey information, advertise something, or serve as decoration.
   • A person who attaches such notices or advertisements to surfaces: Historically, a "poster" could also refer to the individual whose job was to paste up bills or placards.

Usage

• The primary and most common modern use is for the printed sheet itself.
• It is a count noun (e.g., a poster, several posters).
• It is often used in contexts related to advertising, promotion, events, propaganda, and decoration.

Examples

• Noun (Printed Sheet):
  • She bought a movie poster to hang on her bedroom wall.
  • The concert posters were plastered all over the city.
  • The classroom had an educational poster about the solar system.
• Noun (Person - historical/less common):
  • In the 19th century, a poster would travel the streets at night to put up new playbills.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a poster child/boy/girl for something": To be a perfect or typical example of something (often a cause, movement, or quality).
  • The young athlete became the poster child for determination and hard work.
• "Poster session": An event at a conference where researchers present their work on large posters for discussion.
  • She presented her findings at the poster session during the science convention.

Variants and Related Words

• Billposter/Billposter (n): A variant term for a person who posts bills or advertisements.
• Posterize (v): In art and printing, to modify an image to resemble a poster with bold, simplified colors and forms. In sports (slang), to dunk over an opponent in a humiliating fashion.
• Posterboard (n): A stiff board used for making posters.

Synonyms

• Placard: A printed or written notice for public display, often fastened to a stick.
• Bill: A list of items, or a statement of charges; also can mean a poster or advertisement (e.g., "stick no bills").
• Broadside: A large sheet of paper printed on one side, often used for announcements or advertisements.
• Flyer/Flier: A small handbill or circular for mass distribution.

Related Phrases

• "Wanted poster": A public notice, often issued by law enforcement, featuring the image and description of a sought-after criminal.
  • The sheriff nailed a wanted poster to the saloon door.
• "Poster paint": A type of opaque, water-based paint often used for creating posters.
  • The children used poster paint for their art project.

Idioms

• "Poster boy" (idiomatic, often used pejoratively): The most prominent or typical example of a group or characteristic.
  • He was the poster boy for corporate greed.

Noun

1. a horse kept at an inn or post house for use by mail carriers or for rent to travelers
2. someone who pastes up bills or placards on walls or billboards
3. a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement
   • a poster advertised the coming attractions