Meaning
An expert in a given field; also, a person who is interested in and knowledgeable about a particular activity or thing; an aficionado.
Etymology
Origin: Hebrew
From Yiddish מבֿין (meyvn, “connoisseur, expert, know-it-all”), from Hebrew מֵבִין (mevín, “one who understands, connoisseur, expert”), from הֵבִין (hevín, “to understand”). The word is said to have been popularized by its use in an advertising campaign for Vita Herring launched in the United States in 1964, which had a character called the “beloved [herring] maven” promoting the product.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: