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 of physician

• doctor

Examples of physician in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Others newly added to the professional list include degrees for physical therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology, physician associates and anesthesiologist assistants. — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

The current system risks patient dissatisfaction if complex issues aren't addressed by doctors, and further physician disenfranchisement is unsustainable. — Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Talking to your physician about bone density screenings should also be part of your menopause care. — Caitlin Kiernan, Flow Space, 30 June 2026

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