PhD

abbreviation or noun

variants or Ph.D.
plural PhDs or Ph.D.s
: the academic degree, title, or rank of doctor of philosophy
He was awarded a PhD in economics.
Jane Smith, Ph.D.
also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Watson School of Biological Sciences graduated its first PhDs (14 of them) in June 2004 … Horace Freeland Judson

Examples of PhD in a Sentence

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.
Psychologist and leading canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD previously suggested dogs possess a level of intelligence on a par with a two-year-old child. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 The PhD Project did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Ivana Saric, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 Furthermore, Neil Bernstein, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author, emphasizes that negativity is the fuel anxiety and depression need to exist. Daryl Austin, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025 Of the schools under investigation, 45 face scrutiny due to partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit that helps students from underrepresented groups get degrees in business to diversify the business world. Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for PhD

Word History

Etymology

New Latin philosophiae doctor

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of PhD was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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