physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzi-shən 

plural physicians

1

: a person trained in the art of healing

specifically : a health care professional (such as a dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, or urologist) who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine

2

: someone or something that has a beneficial effect or influence

Do justice with mercy. That is what, in essence, the brilliant physician of the heart and soul, Maimonides, tried to teach us 900 years ago.

—Jack Weinstein

Synonyms

• doctor

Examples of physician in a Sentence

you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever

Recent Examples on the Web

Better surveillance data can help physicians narrow down which antibiotics to use, ensuring more effective treatments that minimize resistance. —NPR, 15 Oct. 2025

Types of health care providers may include people like physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physician assistants. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025

Indiana physicians are expecting a heavier than usual flu season, leading them to encourage people to get their flu vaccine now before winter arrives. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025

The pose can help improve your circulation, which can decrease swelling and inflammation, Robert Saper, an integrative medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, told the hospital’s blog in 2021. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English phisicien, fisicien, from Anglo-French, from phisique medicine

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physician

• family physician
• physician assistant
• physician-assisted suicide
• physician's assistant

Rhymes for physician

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a specialist in healing human diseases

especially : one educated and licensed to practice medicine

Medical Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a health-care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine