doctor of philosophy
noun
plural doctors of philosophy
: the highest degree awarded in many academic disciplines
She graduated with a doctor of philosophy in education/mathematics/history.
Most have advanced degrees, including a few doctors of philosophy …—
Dave Hurst
Dave Hurst
also
: a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy
Baranowski is director of the Homestead Agricultural and Research Education Center, a 160-acre farming laboratory of scientists in blue jeans, doctors of philosophy with dusty boots. —Ena Naunton
—abbreviation PhD, Ph.D.
Ena Naunton Cite this Entry
“Doctor of philosophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctor%20of%20philosophy. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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