Cicerone
/ˌtʃɪtʃəˈroʊni/noun
A guide, especially one who shows tourists around places of interest.
Did you know?Cicerone comes from the name Cicero, and in Italian it became a term for a learned guide—proof that a famous speaker’s name can turn into a job title.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Cicero
“The family name of the Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, probably originally referring to a chickpea or a wart-like bump.”
Late Latin / Medieval
Latin
Cicerōne
“A person associated with Cicero’s eloquence; later, an educated guide or interpreter.”
16th Century
Italian
cicerone
“A learned guide who explains works of art, ruins, or monuments to visitors.”
18th Century
English
cicerone
“A guide, especially one who conducts tourists and explains places of interest.”
Explore more surprising origins