doyen

[doi-en, doi-uhn, dwa-yan]

noun

plural

doyens 

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

doyen

/ dway, dɔɪˈɛn, ˈdɔɪən, dwajɛn /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• doyenne noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doyen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of doyen¹

C17: from French, from Late Latin decānus leader of a group of ten; see _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