maven
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of maven
1960–65; < Yiddish < Hebrew: connoisseur
Explanation
Whether it's in fashion, or food, or forensic science, someone who really knows his stuff about a topic is a maven, or a person particularly skilled in the field. The word maven comes from the Yiddish meyvn, meaning "one who understands." But to be a maven you have to more than just understand a topic, you have to know its ins and outs. Often mavens are the people that you turn to as experts in a field. You don't become a maven overnight. That kind of expertise comes with an accumulation of knowledge over the years.
Vocabulary lists containing maven
100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
More English Words Derived from Yiddish
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Tipping Point
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many investors wonder what they will do without Howard Silverblatt, a markets data maven, now that he is retired.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026
Apple CEO Tim Cook is known for being a supply-chain maven.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026
Even famously bullish tech maven Cathie Wood has struck a more cautious tone recently.
From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025
Chinese cryptocurrency maven Justin Sun, who has since eaten the art.
From Slate • Dec. 3, 2024
Where one style maven saw UFO’s, another saw UFOs.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
