specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspe-sh(ə-)list How to pronounce specialist (audio)
Synonyms of specialistnext
1
: one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study
a specialist in disorders of the immune system
a specialist in international law
"What does Dr. James Mortimer, the man of science, ask of Sherlock Holmes, the specialist in crime?"—Arthur Conan Doyle
2
: an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal
also : any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major
3
: an organism (such as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat
specialist adjective
or specialistic
ˌspe-shə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce specialist (audio)

Examples of specialist in a Sentence

She consulted a marketing specialist when she decided to go into business. He saw a specialist for his foot problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Though thousands of people work at the company’s headquarters in Hamburg, this cadre of just over 60 metalworkers, gem-setters, nib-makers, and other specialists creates its most technically demanding and intricate writing instruments. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 As a result, projects using EB-5 typically require a team of experienced professionals, including immigration and securities counsel, economic impact analysts, a regional center and other specialists. — Jill Jones, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 And bouncing between specialists isn’t unique to menopause in women’s health. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 The discussion was moderated by Taiwanese cinema specialist Wafa Ghermani. — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialist

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialist was in 1836

Phrases Containing specialist

Browse Nearby Words

special issue
specialist
specialist shop
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialist. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

specialist

noun
spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst How to pronounce specialist (audio)
1
: a person who studies or works at a special occupation or branch of learning
an eye specialist
2
: an enlisted person in the army with a rank similar to that of corporal
specialist adjective
or specialistic
ˌspesh-ə-ˈlis-tik How to pronounce specialist (audio)

Medical Definition

specialist

noun
spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst How to pronounce specialist (audio)
: a medical practitioner whose practice is limited to a particular class of patients (as children) or of diseases (as skin diseases) or of technique (as surgery)
especially : a physician who is qualified by advanced training and certification by a specialty examining board to so limit his or her practice

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