enthusiast

noun

en·​thu·​si·​ast in-ˈthü-zē-ˌast How to pronounce enthusiast (audio)
-əst,
en-,
 also  -ˈthyü-
: a person filled with enthusiasm: such as
a
: one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit
a sports car enthusiast
b
: one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest

Examples of enthusiast in a Sentence

skiing enthusiasts can't wait for the first snowfall of the season
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Big news for vintage train enthusiasts: The Orient Express brand is back with a luxe new train inspired by 1960s style. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025 Only one other California boat show popped up on USA Today’s list of the best American events for boat enthusiasts. Kendrick Marshall, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025 Nationally recognized was a top destination for bass fishing, the scenic spot is also popular with families, nature enthusiasts, and just about anyone who appreciates a nice view of the water. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025 For spa enthusiasts, book a massage and then spend the afternoon hopping between the saltwater Thalasso pools. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enthusiast

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "person claiming to receive divine communication or inspiration, member of a putative early Christian sect making such claims," borrowed from Late Greek enthousiastḗs, going back to Greek, "person possessed by a god," from enthousiad-, stem of enthousiázein "to be inspired or possessed by a god" + -tēs, agent suffix — more at enthusiasm

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enthusiast was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enthusiast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiast. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

enthusiast

noun
en·​thu·​si·​ast in-ˈth(y)ü-zē-ˌast How to pronounce enthusiast (audio)
-əst
: a person filled with enthusiasm

More from Merriam-Webster on enthusiast

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