specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspe-sh(ə-)list 

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

ˌspe-shə-ˈli-stik 

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

Overall, training is probably more important than selective recruitment, although recruitment can be necessary for specialists with specific areas of expertise. —Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025

Neither side confirmed the local truce, but Ukraine’s energy ministry said Ukrainian specialists were working to restore the power lines on Saturday, the 42nd round of repair works since Russia’s full-scale invasion. —Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025

Smith also has proved valuable as a kick return specialist, teaming with Nikko Remigio. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025

Maddy Rivard, public relations specialist for Life Time, said Thursday the Big Sugar Classic is one of more than 30 running and cycling events Life Time owns and operates across the country. —Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specialist

• specialist shop
• sub-specialist

Kids Definition

specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst 

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

ˌspesh-ə-ˈlis-tik 

Medical Definition

specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst 

: 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