maven

noun

ma·​ven ˈmā-vən 

variants or less commonly mavin

: one who is experienced or knowledgeable : expert

a language maven

policy mavens

computer mavens

also : freak sense 2a

Synonyms of maven

• expert
• master
• scholar
• guru
• wizard
• adept
• virtuoso
• artist

Examples of maven in a Sentence

an investment maven, he was doing well even when the market was doing poorly

a science-fiction maven who could talk for hours about fictional technology

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus caramel crunch chocolate chunklet cookies from Dorie herself—the baking maven has called it one of her top holiday cookie recipes. —Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025

Wearing a sharp black blazer, a flouncy dress, and heeled sandals, the 41-year-old media maven sat and smiled at the audience. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025

All wearing matching yellow aprons, they were drawn from the community of makers, mongers and mavens who make up the ranks of the international cheese cognoscenti. —Barry Neild, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025

Molly Bernard found her breakout role on Younger as Kelsey’s up-for-anything, PR maven best friend Lauren. —Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish meyvn, from Late Hebrew mēbhīn

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for maven

• craven
• flavin
• graven
• haven
• pavan
• raven
• shaven
• engraven
• unshaven
• riboflavin