cicerone

[ sis-uh-roh-nee, chich-uh-; Italian chee-che-raw-ne ]

noun

, plural cic·e·ro·nes, Italian cic·e·ro·ni [chee-che-, raw, -nee].

1. a person who conducts sightseers; guide.

cicerone

/ ˌtʃɪtʃ-; ˌsɪsəˈrəʊnɪ /

noun

1. a person who conducts and informs sightseers; a tour guide

Word History and Origins

Origin of cicerone¹

1720–30; Italian < Latin Cicerōnem, accusative of Cicerō Cicero, the guide being thought of as having the knowledge and eloquence of Cicero

Word History and Origins

Origin of cicerone¹

C18: from Italian: antiquarian scholar, guide, after Cicero , alluding to the eloquence and erudition of these men

Example Sentences

For newcomers to Holy Mountain, its lineup is a good primer on what many cicerones consider to be one of the best breweries in the Northwest, if not the entire West Coast.

From Seattle Times

Ms. Mion said she finds it reassuring to know that, when the time comes for Edoardo to join in the family business, he can rely on his father as a cicerone.

From New York Times

He brushed down his sharp checked blazer and entered, greeting Naomi Hample, an Argosy owner and autograph cicerone.

From New York Times

I suggest that Banville is enjoying a Joycean, multilingual pun: “cicerone” is the Italian word for “guide,” whether a book or a person.

From New York Times

Hodge serves as cicerone through 1920s Chicago, as the killing has him making inquiries to both the Irish and Italian mobs — there's an Al Capone cameo — cops and numerous hookers with black hearts of gold.

From Los Angeles Times