Savoyard

[ suh-voi-erd, sav-oi-ahrd; French sa-vwa-yar ]

noun

, plural Sa·voy·ards [s, uh, -, voi, -erdz, sav-oi-, ahrdz, s, a, -vw, a, -, yar].

1. a native or inhabitant of Savoy.
2. a person enthusiastic about or connected with Gilbert and Sullivan operas: so called from the Savoy Theater in London, where the operas were first presented.

adjective

1. of or relating to Savoy, its people, or their dialect.

Savoyard

¹

/ savwajar; səˈvɔɪɑːd /

noun

1. a native of Savoy
2. the dialect of French spoken in Savoy

adjective

1. of or relating to Savoy, its inhabitants, or their dialect

Savoyard

²

/ səˈvɔɪɑːd /

noun

1. a person keenly interested in the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan
2. a person who takes part in these operettas

Word History and Origins

Origin of Savoyard¹

From French, dating back to 1690–1700; Savoy, -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of Savoyard¹

C20: from the Savoy Theatre, built in London in 1881 by Richard D'Oyly Carte for the presentation of operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan

Example Sentences

The government of this little Savoyard state became substantially like that which existed among the Swiss cantons.

From Project Gutenberg

Savoyard shows his teeth—considers—stretches himself on the grass—plays with the mice—and answers volubly.

From Project Gutenberg

The Savoyard's face brightens—he looks happy: the mice run from the grave into his bosom.

From Project Gutenberg

I stood before the fine tomb with its fine epitaph; the Savoyard looked at me wistfully.

From Project Gutenberg

I regained the entrance to the churchyard—I looked back—there sate the Savoyard, still amidst men's graves, but under God's sky.

From Project Gutenberg