behaviorist

noun

be·​hav·​ior·​ist bi-ˈhā-vyə-rist 

bē-

1

: a person who advocates or practices behaviorism

2

: a person who specializes in the study of behavior

an animal behaviorist

behaviorist adjective

Examples of behaviorist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sculptures were created with advice from animal behaviorist Michael Parsons, who is fascinated with urban rats. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Not wanting to base the decision solely on emotions, the couple brought in a professional trainer and behaviorist who knew Lulu and Tuktuk well for an in-home assessment. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Treating compulsive barking can require the professional help of an animal behaviorist or trainer. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Veterinarians and animal behaviorists point to a range of explanations. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for behaviorist

• behaviourist

Medical Definition

behaviorist

1 of 2 noun

be·​hav·​ior·​ist

variants or chiefly British behaviourist

-rəst 

1

: a person who advocates or practices behaviorism

2

: a person who specializes in the study of behavior

Animal behaviorists are often consulted regarding such problems as aggression, self-mutilation, food aversion and inappropriate urination or defecation.

—Tom Ewing, Dog Watch

behaviorist

2 of 2 adjective

: of or relating to behaviorism

behaviorist psychology