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

The former tends to be more robust with a more noticeable palate weight, while the latter is lighter in style, the two approaches offer a diverse and fascinating tasting experience for spirits enthusiasts. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

So my interest was immediately piqued when online skin-care enthusiasts started boasting about the acne-clearing, pigment-fading powers of tretinoin. —Jasmine Browley, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Conveniently, there’s an abundance of things to do just beyond the city limits, from nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts to vintage shops well-suited for the antique hunter. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024

Hoka Women's Bondi 8 Running Shoes Hoka has famously become a favorite brand among travel enthusiasts. —Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 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