extraordinaire
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.”
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.
It almost always follows the noun, e.g. "baker extraordinaire," not "extraordinaire baker."
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
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.".