docent

noun

do·​cent ˈdō-sᵊnt  dō(t)-ˈsent 

1

: a college or university teacher or lecturer

2

: a person who leads guided tours especially through a museum or art gallery

Did you know?

The title of docent is used in many countries for what Americans would call an associate professor—that is, a college or university teacher who has been given tenure but hasn't yet achieved the rank of full professor. But in the U.S. a docent is a guide who works at a museum, a historical site, or even a zoo or a park. Docents are usually volunteers, and their services are often free of charge.

Examples of docent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In another Seal Society educational activity, docents spent several hours Feb. 23 with 10 Girl Scouts ages 8-11 and their leaders. —Carol Archibald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

Art docent Izzy Delling will lead the hands-on workshop; supplies will be provided. —Debby Rice, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025

During the session, docent volunteers will guide participants on how to make musical instruments from household items and craft supplies that are being provided. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Moving into an entirely different field, like the advertising executive who became a docent in a museum. —Nancy K. Schlossberg, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

obsolete German (now Dozent), from Latin docent-, docens, present participle of docēre — see docile

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1