Doyenne Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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doyenne

[ˌdwɑɪˈɑn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

female leader

A woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field or activity, typically due to long experience and achievement.

Synonyms

authority, leader, matriarch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
doyenne

Use this term for a woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field, often due to her long involvement or experience.

  • She is considered the doyenne of the art community.
  • As the doyenne of fashion journalism, her opinions are highly valued.
matriarch

This word is perfect for describing an older woman who is the head of her family or a powerful woman leader in a community, often carrying a sense of authority derived from experience and wisdom.

  • She is the matriarch of a large and influential family.
  • In many tribal societies, the matriarch plays a crucial role.
leader

Use this term for someone who guides or directs a group of people, often in social, political, or organizational contexts.

  • She emerged as a natural leader during the crisis.
  • The company is looking for a new leader to drive its growth.
authority

This word is suitable when someone has the power to give orders, make decisions, or enforce rules, often due to their knowledge or official position.

  • He is an authority on ancient Greek literature.
  • The teacher has the authority to discipline students.

Examples of usage

  • She is considered the doyenne of the fashion industry.
  • The doyenne of the art world gave a speech at the gallery opening.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'doyenne'

The word 'doyenne' originated from French, where it means 'the oldest woman' or 'the senior woman'. It was first used in English in the early 19th century to refer to the most respected or prominent woman in a particular field. Over time, its usage has expanded to include any woman who is a leader or authority figure in her field.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,603, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.