noun
cicerone
sis-uh-ROH-nee/sˈɪsɝˌoʊn/
A guide who explains history, art, or culture to visitors.
The cicerone explains the carved classical relief to two attentive visitors.
Etymology
Cicero’s name became a title for local guides, traditionally in reference to their elaborate, talkative manner. The connection is to the guide’s eloquent explanations of antiquities and other sights.
More examples
- A knowledgeable cicerone leads us through the ruins.
- The museum hires a local cicerone for visiting scholars.
- Two cicerones offer tours of the historic district.
Forms
cicerone · cicerones · ciceroni
Similar words
- guide
- Guide is a broad term; cicerone especially suggests an informed guide to art, antiquities, or culture.