adj
extraordinaire
ihk-straw-dih-NAIR
Extraordinaire (adj) means used after a noun to mean remarkably skilled or outstanding at something, often playfully. Example: “Her uncle, a chef extraordinaire, cooked the entire wedding feast himself.”
adj
1
Used after a noun to mean remarkably skilled or outstanding at something, often playfully.
"Her uncle, a chef extraordinaire, cooked the entire wedding feast himself."
How to use extraordinaire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flattering label meaning "amazing at what they do," always placed right after the noun it describes.
Memory tip
It almost always follows the noun, e.g. "baker extraordinaire," not "extraordinaire baker."
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
chef extraordinaire
baker extraordinaire
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Her uncle, a chef _____, cooked the entire wedding feast himself.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from French extraordinaire; a doublet (same root, different path into English) of "extraordinary."
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for extraordinaire
See all rhymes for extraordinaire →Frequently asked questions
What does “extraordinaire” mean?
The word “extraordinaire” means used after a noun to mean remarkably skilled or outstanding at something, often playfully. In plain terms, a flattering label meaning "amazing at what they do," always placed right after the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce “extraordinaire”?
“Extraordinaire” is pronounced ihk-straw-dih-NAIR (/ɪkˌstɹɔː(ɹ).dɪˈnɛː(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “extraordinaire” in a sentence?
Here is “extraordinaire” used in a sentence: “Her uncle, a chef extraordinaire, cooked the entire wedding feast himself.”
What part of speech is “extraordinaire”?
“Extraordinaire” is an adjective.
Where does the word “extraordinaire” come from?
The word “extraordinaire” comes from French. Borrowed directly from French extraordinaire; a doublet (same root, different path into English) of "extraordinary.".
