docent
noun
do·cent
ˈdō-sᵊnt 
dō(t)-ˈsent
dō(t)-ˈsent
1
: a college or university teacher or lecturer
2
: a person who leads guided tours especially through a museum or art gallery
Did you know?
The title of docent is used in many countries for what Americans would call an associate professor—that is, a college or university teacher who has been given tenure but hasn't yet achieved the rank of full professor. But in the U.S. a docent is a guide who works at a museum, a historical site, or even a zoo or a park. Docents are usually volunteers, and their services are often free of charge.
Examples of docent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
She’s taken photography classes in the area, trained as a docent at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and exhibited her work in Tinley Park, Chicago and Lockport.
—
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
As part of the nation’s 250 celebration and Historic Preservation Month, a variety of buildings will be open to the public, with no admission cost — there will be a lot to see, with docents to advise you along the way.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
During their recent visit, the three docents set up scopes to zoom in on the nest.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Tauck includes private or exclusive visits such as early access to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a private Niagara Falls boat excursion and a Chicago architectural cruise led by expert docents.
—Malika Bowling, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
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Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
As part of the nation’s 250 celebration and Historic Preservation Month, a variety of buildings will be open to the public, with no admission cost — there will be a lot to see, with docents to advise you along the way.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
During their recent visit, the three docents set up scopes to zoom in on the nest.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Tauck includes private or exclusive visits such as early access to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a private Niagara Falls boat excursion and a Chicago architectural cruise led by expert docents.
—Malika Bowling, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for docent
Cite this Entry
“Docent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/docent. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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