preceptor

noun

pre·​cep·​tor pri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce preceptor (audio) ˈprē-ˌsep- How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
1
a
b
: the headmaster or principal of a school
2
: the head of a preceptory of Knights Templars
preceptorship
pri-ˈsep-tər-ˌship How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
ˈprē-ˌsep-
noun

Examples of preceptor in a Sentence

a preceptor at a small English boarding school
Recent Examples on the Web The programs are contending with a lack of faculty, clinical placements for students and preceptors who supervise the students during their rotations at health care providers. Krystal Hur, CNN, 6 Oct. 2023 In fact, the school’s humanities dean is the former preceptor of the undergrad writing program at Harvard. Nicole Laporte, Town & Country, 2 May 2023 Andrew serves as an excellent preceptor for new graduate nurses entering the ER for their first job. Alice Adams, Chron, 10 May 2021 For his contributions, Bueno won the leadership award for being night shift preceptor, and the team Daisy award. Alice Adams, Chron, 10 May 2021 Students are trained in vaccination techniques, said Dr. Amy Werremeyer, chair of NDSU School of Pharmacy and a preceptor for the events. From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2021 Catalano Weeks and co-author Sparsha Saha, a preceptor at Harvard, asked survey respondents to choose fictional candidates whose genders were specified, each with descriptions that suggested different levels of ambition. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2020 Catlin’s preceptor had encouraged her to go for the CPM rather than the CNM. Jennifer Block, Longreads, 10 Mar. 2020 When Step 1 scores disappear, more emphasis will be placed on research experience, publication, and subjective evaluations from students’ preceptors. Anna Goshua, STAT, 14 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preceptor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of preceptor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near preceptor

Cite this Entry

“Preceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preceptor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

preceptor

noun
pre·​cep·​tor pri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce preceptor (audio) ˈprē-ˌsep- How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
1
2
: the principal of a school

Medical Definition

preceptor

noun
pre·​cep·​tor pri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce preceptor (audio) ˈprē-ˌ How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
: a practicing physician who gives personal instruction, training, and supervision to a medical student or young physician
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