aficionado

noun

afi·​cio·​na·​do ə-ˌfi-sh(ē-)ə-ˈnä-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce aficionado (audio)
-fē-,
-sē-ə-
variants or less commonly afficionado
plural aficionados also afficionados
: a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity : devotee
aficionados of the bullfight
movie aficionados

Did you know?

Before there were nerds, geeks, stans, fanboys, or fangirls, there were aficionados. But not long before, relatively speaking. English borrowed aficionado in the early 1800s directly from Spanish, making a noun out of the past participle of the Spanish verb aficionar, which means "to inspire affection." Nerd, geek, and the rest can sometimes imply that the devotee in question is overdoing their ardor, but aficionado (which traces further back to the same Latin ancestor that gave us the English word affection) is a more neutral descriptor for someone with an abiding and thoughtful devotion to an interest or activity.

Examples of aficionado in a Sentence

Such are the issues that spark hot debate among pizza chefs and aficionados. I recently visited some of the most dedicated pizza makers in the United States to have them demonstrate what makes their pizza special. Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 June 2008
The quality varies with the individual authors, but both history buffs and aficionados of literary criticism will find food for thought here. Publishers Weekly, 8 Jan. 2001
When film aficionados speak of film noir, they usually refer to the look and attitude of certain films. As critics have found, such films do not form a genre; at best, they suggest a movement. Bonnie Smothers, Booklist, 15 Nov. 1999
Beyond scuba diving, North Carolina's Crystal Coast and Cape Lookout are famous for fishing. Although I'm not an aficionado myself, prospective anglers need only walk the docks of Moorehead City to book inshore or Gulf Stream excursions … James Sturz, New York Times, 26 Apr. 1998
an aficionado of the sci-fi series who has seen all the movies several times
Recent Examples on the Web In its 28th year, the convention brings together artists, vendors and tattoo aficionados for three days of tattooing and informational sessions. Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024 Two wine aficionados who first met in a New York City wine bar are bringing a wine bar and shop to East Tosa. Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 Prior to Rebirth’s launch, creative director and zipper aficionado Tetsuya Nomura talked about how the game was designed in part to be welcoming to newcomers (always a commendable goal). Andrew Webster, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 New York’s Hudson Valley, roughly two hours north of New York City, has become a haven for design aficionados and other creative types over the past decade. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 For wine and whiskey aficionados, The Chinnery promises an indulgent evening, with a menu that pays homage to classic pub fare elevated in Mandarin’s renowned culinary style. Kissa Castañeda, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Longtime Strings fans and music aficionados might also notice some fresh nuances to his guitar playing–the results of this naturally-talented, playing by ear guitarist taking his first-ever guitar lessons. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2024 Our pick: Kroger Thick Cut Bacon Why: Bacon aficionados may be able to taste the difference but the average bacon lover will appreciate this thick, meaty bacon just as much as the pricier brands. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2024 That estate boasts an impressive pedigree: Bernhard originally acquired it from actress Meg Ryan, and the lavish property was once also owned by fellow actress and noted architecture aficionado Diane Keaton. James McClain, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aficionado.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish aficionado, from past participle of aficionar "to inspire devotion or affection in," verbal derivative of afición "liking, interest," going back to earlier afeción, afección, borrowed from Latin affectiōn-, affectiō "feeling, feeling of attachment" — more at affection

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aficionado was in 1819

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Dictionary Entries Near aficionado

Cite this Entry

“Aficionado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aficionado. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aficionado

noun
afi·​cio·​na·​do ə-ˌfish-(ē-)ə-ˈnäd-ō How to pronounce aficionado (audio)
-ˌfis-ē-
plural aficionados
: a person who really likes and appreciates something
an aficionado of Mexican food
science fiction aficionados
Etymology

Spanish, derived from Latin affectio "affection"

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