practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈti-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce practitioner (audio)
Synonyms of practitionernext
1
: one who practices or is regularly engaged in a skillful activity
a yoga practitioner
practitioners of the art of glassblowing
especially : one who practices a profession
a health care practitioner
legal practitioners
2
Christian Science : an authorized healer

Synonyms of practitioner

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Examples of practitioner in a Sentence

a French doctor who was once the most famous practitioner of natural childbirth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The poetry world in the city is multifarious and energetic, with waves of practitioners reading, listening to, and publishing one another. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Schafer, one of the country’s leading practitioners of classical architecture, designed and built Middlefield from the ground up in 1999. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 For Donnie Soddu, a shamanic practitioner and founder of High Light Rituals, the talisman is a physical object that’s been given a spiritual purpose. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 Patients considering care abroad should also research the clinic, the practitioner's training and experience, the products being used, emergency procedures and what follow-up care would be available if complications develop after returning home. — Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practitioner

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier practician, from Middle English (Scots) pratician, from Middle French practicien, from pratique practice

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practitioner was in 1535

Phrases Containing practitioner

Rhymes for practitioner

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Browse Nearby Words

practicum
practitioner
prad
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practitioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practitioner. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

practitioner

noun
prac·​ti·​tio·​ner
prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər
: a person who practices a profession and especially law or medicine

Medical Definition

practitioner

noun
prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər How to pronounce practitioner (audio)
: one who practices a profession and especially medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on practitioner

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practitioner

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