doctorate

noun

doc·​tor·​ate ˈdäk-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce doctorate (audio)
: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

Examples of doctorate in a Sentence

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.
Most of the student movement’s winning candidates hold doctorate degrees, of whom 44% are women. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Oct. 2026 Hernandez, 34, graduated from Kennedy High School and holds a doctorate in interdisciplinary learning and teaching. — Sophia Veneziano, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 Dana Mackenzie holds a doctorate in mathematics from Princeton University. — Dana MacKenzie, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 Yin earned a doctorate in computer music at the University of York. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctorate

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctorate was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

doctorand
doctorate
doctorbird
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Cite this Entry

“Doctorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctorate. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

doctorate

noun
doc·​tor·​ate ˈdäk-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce doctorate (audio)
: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor
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