enthusiast

noun

en·​thu·​si·​ast in-ˈthü-zē-ˌast How to pronounce enthusiast (audio)
-əst
en-
also -ˈthyü-
Synonyms of enthusiast
: 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

Examples of enthusiast in a Sentence

skiing enthusiasts can't wait for the first snowfall of the season
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Porsche's electric car is built for driving enthusiasts who are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance. Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Genre enthusiasts will find lots to like here, from its rich saturated nighttime ambience to the moody, cine-techno score by Aeph. Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026 The property is akin to a vintage jazz vinyl whose enthusiasts are happy to eschew modern conveniences in favor of a more soulful experience. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 Mountain bike enthusiasts have been working for years on an ambitious 485-mile, multi-use trail called The Velomont that will span the length of the state. Nina Keck, NPR, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enthusiast

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enthusiast was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enthusiast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiast. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

enthusiast

noun
: a person filled with enthusiasm

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