Refers to a person who performs traditional or popular entertainment (演芸), such as rakugo, manzai, or variety acts. Not typically used for actors or musicians in modern contexts.
He is an entertainer who performs at yose (vaudeville theaters).
Young entertainers are gaining popularity on TV.
Compound of 演芸 (entertainment, performance) + 人 (person). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for occupational nouns.