doyen

American  

[doi-en, doi-uhn, dwa-yan] / dɔɪˈɛn, ˈdɔɪ ən, dwaˈyɛ̃ /

noun

plural

doyens

1. the senior member, as in age, rank, or experience, of a group, class, profession, etc.

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doyen British  

/ dway, dɔɪˈɛn, ˈdɔɪən, dwajɛn /

noun

1. the senior member of a group, profession, or society

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Other Word Forms

• doyenne noun

Etymology

Origin of doyen

1665–75; < French; Old French deien < Latin decānus dean

Example Sentences

Tributes have begun pouring in for the writer, who was considered the doyen of Malayalam-language literature.

From BBC

Benegal, one of the doyens of Indian cinema, says the film remains very close to his heart.

From BBC

And, of course, the doyen, a Congolese chemist who first made a name for himself driving a Zamboni at hockey games.

From New York Times

There was historically rooted free jazz, courtesy of the downtown doyen William Parker and his ensemble, In Order to Survive.

From New York Times

The ANC said in a statement: “He was a globally acclaimed playwright, composer and producer. We have lost a true legend, a doyen, and a genuine ambassador of theatre.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• artist
• authority
• connoisseur
• doctor
• genius
• guru
• professional
• scientist