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

Newsweek reached out to a dog behaviorist to find out more. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

In this case, a pet behaviorist can help their relationship. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

While most dogs can be trained to live with cats, with the help of a specialized animal behaviorist if needed, some dog breeds are more suited for life with a feline than others. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

This story was updated with additional information from animal behaviorist Michelle Bernstein. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

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