Docent: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in European universities or museums, a docent is someone who guides visitors, often voluntarily, and has specialized knowledge about the location or exhibit.

• The docent at the museum gave an enlightening tour of the ancient artifacts.
• As a university docent, she specializes in Renaissance literature.

A lecturer is someone who delivers talks or lectures, usually in a formal educational setting such as a university. This term is common in British English.

• The guest lecturer spoke about environmental policies.
• She is a lecturer in medieval history at the university.

An instructor is someone who teaches a specific skill or subject, commonly used in contexts like workshops, fitness classes, or academic courses.

• The yoga instructor showed us a new sequence of poses.
• He works as an English instructor at the community college.

A teacher educates students at different educational levels, from primary to secondary schools. It is the most general term and can apply to various fields of education.

• Ms. Johnson is a third-grade teacher at Elmwood Elementary.
• He decided to become a math teacher after graduating college.