noun
doyen
Doyen (noun) means a military officer who commands a group of ten soldiers.
noun
1
A military officer who commands a group of ten soldiers.
2
The oldest or most senior man in a group.
"Every prison has its doyen, and for us politicals it was Denis Goldberg."
— Francis Annan, ~20:30 from the start (2020)
3
A person who is the most respected and skilled expert in a particular field.
"Prof Sir John Curtice, the doyen of British political pollsters, has also noted that MRPs suggest Labour would lose proportionally more votes in seats it currently holds – and more again in seats it holds where Reform came second in 2024."
— Michael Savage, Could Nigel Farage really win the next election? Here's what the polls say (2025)
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Etymology
Borrowed from French doyen, from Late Latin decānus, from Latin decem. Compare the doublet dean.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for doyen
See all rhymes for doyen →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of doyen?
"doyen" (noun) means a military officer who commands a group of ten soldiers.
What is another word for doyen?
Other words for "doyen" include dean.
What are the different meanings of doyen?
"doyen" has 3 main meanings: 1. A military officer who commands a group of ten soldiers; 2. The oldest or most senior man in a group; 3. A person who is the most respected and skilled expert in a particular field.
