specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspe-sh(ə-)list How to pronounce specialist (audio)
1
: one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study
a specialist in disorders of the immune system
a specialist in international law
"What does Dr. James Mortimer, the man of science, ask of Sherlock Holmes, the specialist in crime?"Arthur Conan Doyle
2
: an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal
also : any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major
3
: an organism (such as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat
specialist adjective
or specialistic

Examples of specialist in a Sentence

She consulted a marketing specialist when she decided to go into business. He saw a specialist for his foot problem.
Recent Examples on the Web Brass specialist Paty Moreno spoke about her struggles as a single mom, while woodwinds repairman Duane Michaels recalled opening for Elvis in 1975 with his bluegrass band. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 The 49ers’ primary punt return specialist with 57 punt returns for 559 yards over two seasons, McCloud had a broken wrist at the start of the season and missed time with a fractured rib later in the season. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 The new studio boasts state-of-the-art virtual production tools, including Hong Kong’s largest Samsung microLED display, technology from virtual production specialist Disguise, and solutions from ARRI, raising local virtual production standards significantly. Faye Bradley, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 The woman and two others were backcountry skiing on Saturday, US Forest Service public affairs specialist Colleen Mainville said. Sarah Dewberry, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 That might translate to longer wait times for appointments, bureaucratic red tape or difficulty getting referrals and access to specialists, and more. Pamela Appea, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 These specialists professionally install the systems, which are highly dependent on careful and technical room integration to optimize their spectacular sound. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 Language Proficiency Assessment Committee specialists work with students who are learning English and their teachers, Hullender said. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 But the job isn’t entirely done: The sign’s flashing starburst and 8-ball need incandescent lights and a specialist to do the installation. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specialist.' 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

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialist was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near specialist

Cite this Entry

“Specialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialist. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

specialist

noun
spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst How to pronounce specialist (audio)
1
: a person who studies or works at a special occupation or branch of learning
an eye specialist
2
: an enlisted person in the army with a rank similar to that of corporal
specialist adjective
or specialistic

Medical Definition

specialist

noun
spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst How to pronounce specialist (audio)
: a medical practitioner whose practice is limited to a particular class of patients (as children) or of diseases (as skin diseases) or of technique (as surgery)
especially : a physician who is qualified by advanced training and certification by a specialty examining board to so limit his or her practice
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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