docent

American  

[doh-suhnt, doh-tsent] / ˈdoʊ sənt, doʊˈtsɛnt /

noun

1. privatdocent.

2. a college or university lecturer.

3. a person who is a knowledgeable guide, especially one who conducts visitors through a museum and delivers a commentary on the exhibitions.

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docent British  

/ ˈdəʊsənt /

noun

1. a voluntary worker who acts as a guide in a museum, art gallery, etc

2. (in the US) a lecturer in some colleges or universities

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Other Word Forms

• docentship noun

Etymology

Origin of docent

1630–40; < German Dozent < Latin docent- (stem of docēns, present participle of docēre ), equivalent to doc- teach + -ent -ent

Example Sentences

Jennifer Koles, a nature enthusiast and former docent at Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Orange County Parks, said it’s not a guarantee but that folks can see it as “an early delight in the desert.”

From Los Angeles Times

Zoo docents hovered nearby to answer questions while parents crouched beside their toddlers and pointed to similarities with the apes’ hands and feet.

From Los Angeles Times

I found her nametag from work as a docent in a historical museum.

From The Wall Street Journal

RR, like other students, created art projects of her animal and also served as a docent for parents and visitors.

From Los Angeles Times

City employees perform many core jobs, such as feeding and caring for the animals, but volunteers supplied by GLAZA, including the docents that gave tours, played a major role in the zoo’s day-to-day operations.

From Los Angeles Times