doyen

noun doy·en \ˈdȯi-ən, -ˌ(y)en; ˈdwä-ˌyaⁿ(n)\

: a person who has a lot of experience in or knowledge about a particular profession, subject, etc.

Full Definition of DOYEN

a : the senior member of a body or group

b : a person considered to be knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experience in some field of endeavor

: the oldest example of a category

See doyen defined for English-language learners

French, from Old French deien, from Late Latin decanus dean — more at dean

First Known Use: 1670

Antonyms: beginner, colt, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, recruit, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro

Next Word in the Dictionary: doyennePrevious Word in the Dictionary: doxycyclineAll Words Near: doyen

What made you want to look up doyen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears