generalist

noun

gen·​er·​al·​ist ˈjen-rə-list How to pronounce generalist (audio)
ˈje-nə-
Synonyms of generalistnext
: one whose skills, interests, or habits are varied or unspecialized

Examples of generalist in a Sentence

The staff includes both generalists and specialists.
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.
That begins with stronger positioning, because businesses that stand out do so by becoming specialists rather than generalists. Adam Stott, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 The trees that returned fastest were generalists, species with broad geographic ranges that can survive in both forest and savanna environments, rather than the specialist species characteristic of the humid Amazonian forest. Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2026 Musk’s company laid off a number of AI tutors in the fall, many of whom were generalists, some of the people said. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 Rose acquired the transcendent point guard Jalen Brunson, our very own Yoda, and then Karl-Anthony Towns, the spectacularly gifted and sometimes frustrating big man; O. G Anunoby, the deadpan defensive maestro; and Josh Hart, the passionate generalist. Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for generalist

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalist was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Generalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalist. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

generalist

noun
gen·​er·​al·​ist ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst How to pronounce generalist (audio)
: a person whose skills or interests extend to several different fields

Medical Definition

generalist

noun
gen·​er·​al·​ist ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst How to pronounce generalist (audio)
: an individual whose skills or interests extend to several different medical fields
especially : general practitioner

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