enthusiast

noun

en·​thu·​si·​ast in-ˈthü-zē-ˌast 

-əst,

en-,

 also  -ˈthyü-

: a person filled with enthusiasm: such as

a

: one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit

a sports car enthusiast

b

: one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest

Synonyms

• addict
• aficionado
• afficionado
• buff
• bug
• devotee
• fan
• fanatic
• fancier
• fiend
• fool
• freak
• habitué
• habitue
• head
• hound
• junkie
• junky
• lover
• maniac
• maven
• mavin
• nut
• sucker

Examples of enthusiast in a Sentence

skiing enthusiasts can't wait for the first snowfall of the season

Recent Examples on the Web

By next year, it will probably also be seen at Toyota enthusiast events across the country. —New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024

Napa Valley attracts almost 4 million wine enthusiasts a year thanks to its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and, of course, world-class wines—most notably its signature varietal, cabernet sauvignon. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

Companies are capitalizing on a tight election by offering treats and promotions to voters and enthusiasts alike. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024

Wellness and fitness enthusiasts have plenty to do, too — there’s golf, yoga, surfing, mountain biking, ziplining, and tennis — and that’s not counting a new sports park. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "person claiming to receive divine communication or inspiration, member of a putative early Christian sect making such claims," borrowed from Late Greek enthousiastḗs, going back to Greek, "person possessed by a god," from enthousiad-, stem of enthousiázein "to be inspired or possessed by a god" + -tēs, agent suffix — more at enthusiasm

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

enthusiast

noun

en·​thu·​si·​ast in-ˈth(y)ü-zē-ˌast 

-əst

: a person filled with enthusiasm