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

Synonyms of enthusiast

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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.
The country remains a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts due to its Amazon Rainforest and incredible salt flats. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 None of this, however, stopped roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world from traveling to Magic Mountain for a chance to experience the first-of-its kind ride. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 It’s been just over a week since IndieWire visited the historic Bruin Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles, where a small team of four film enthusiasts recently set out to restore the 1937 movie palace by October. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 Launched in 2024, the M4 model has surged in popularity as AI enthusiasts started using the device to run AI agents locally. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 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

Rhymes for enthusiast

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Browse Nearby Words

enthusiasm
enthusiast
enthusiastic
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Cite this Entry

“Enthusiast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiast. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enthusiast

noun
en·​thu·​si·​ast in-ˈth(y)ü-zē-ˌast How to pronounce enthusiast (audio)
-əst
: a person filled with enthusiasm
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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