practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈti-sh(ə-)nər 

1

: one who practices

especially : one who practices a profession

2

Christian Science : an authorized healer

Synonyms

• exponent
• interpreter

Examples of practitioner in a Sentence

a French doctor who was once the most famous practitioner of natural childbirth

Recent Examples on the Web

Jodi Halpern’s work describes a vision of empathy that is affectively rich but also workable for practitioners. —Rachel Pearson, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

This deficiency creates confusion and distrust among practitioners. —Matthew Sole, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique during which a practitioner inserts fine needles into a patient’s skin. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Where practitioners of similar experiential therapies must pursue specialized licenses, cooking therapists have yet to form any such accreditation process. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier practician, from Middle English (Scots) pratician, from Middle French practicien, from pratique practice

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing practitioner

• family practitioner
• general practitioner
• medical practitioner
• nurse practitioner

Rhymes for practitioner

• commissioner
• conditioner
• parishioner
• petitioner
• positioner
• missioner

Kids Definition

practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tio·​ner

prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər

: a person who practices a profession and especially law or medicine

Medical Definition

practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər 

: one who practices a profession and especially medicine