docent
noun
do·cent
ˈdō-sᵊnt
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.
Cite this Entry
“Docent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/docent. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.
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