connoisseur

American  

[kon-uh-sur, -soor] / ˌkɒn əˈsɜr, -ˈsʊər /

noun

1. a person who is especially competent to pass critical judgments in an art, particularly one of the fine arts, or in matters of taste.

   a connoisseur of modern art.

2. a discerning judge of the best in any field.

   a connoisseur of horses.

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connoisseur British  

/ ˌkɒnɪˈsɜː /

noun

1. a person with special knowledge or appreciation of a field, esp in the arts

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Other Word Forms

• connoisseurship noun

Etymology

Origin of connoisseur

First recorded in 1705–15; from French; Old French conoiseor, from Latin cognōscitōr- (stem of cognōscitor ) “knower”; cognoscible, -tor

Example Sentences

Mal licked a finger and held it to the air, her face careful: a connoisseur of wind.

From Literature

As an international water judge, Pieterse blind‑tastes more than 100 still and 100 sparkling waters at an annual fine water summit that draws connoisseurs from around the world.

From Barron's

The baking connoisseur, known among fans and competitors for her affinity for boozy sweets and vibrant fashion and accessory choices, announced her departure from the wholesome series on Wednesday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m something of a Pilates connoisseur, and the class hit all the familiar beats, challenging and satisfying.

From Los Angeles Times

All would be well for the heroic striver but for the insolent judgments of “editors, curators, connoisseurs, critics, bosses, talent agents, reviewers, etc.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• aficionado
• buff
• devotee
• dilettante