Noun

1. A person who participates in entertainment events in a very enthusiastic manner and who has a leading role in inspiring others to join in the spirit of festivity.
   • 1846, Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son, ch. 37,

     ‘You were the life of the party last night, Ma'am, you know,’ returned Flowers, ‘and you suffer for it, to-day, you see.’

   • 1915, Edward Stratemeyer, The Rover Boys in Business, ch. 30,

     Tom was the life of the party, and the way he "cut up" was "simply awful," as Nellie declared.