philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

a

: a person whose philosophical perspective makes meeting trouble with equanimity easier

b

: an expounder of a theory in a particular area of experience

c

: one who philosophizes

Examples of philosopher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pretty much every astronaut experiences this phenomenon, which is known as the overview effect, a term coined in 1987 by space philosopher Frank White. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026

The experience has given her unique insight into how best to navigate the box while also turning her into a kind of philosopher for the age of multiple realities. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Behind the iconic temples, fearless warriors, and legendary philosophers are countless stories that rarely make it into history books. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

After his father’s death, French philosopher Eribon’s trip to his hometown catalyzes a profound meditation on the socioeconomic tensions and disillusionment felt by many young French people. — Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English philosophe, philosophre, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophus, from Greek philosophos, from phil- + sophia wisdom, from sophos wise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosopher

• philosopher's stone

Kids Definition

philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

: a person who is calm and patient when faced with trouble