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

Located in the semi-arid desert landscape of western Colorado, near the Utah border, the Colorado National Monument draws hikers, campers and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country to see its monoliths and red rock canyons. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 June 2024

When Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, its software announcements typically elicit cheers and excitement from tech enthusiasts. —Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2024

Keen Women’s Targhee Mid-height Waterproof Hiking Boots Buy on Amazon $165 $70 Hiking enthusiasts, rejoice! —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2024

From coastal drives to cross-country adventures, there is a wealth of exploration opportunities awaiting travel enthusiasts. —Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 11 June 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