economist

noun

econ·​o·​mist i-ˈkä-nə-mist How to pronounce economist (audio)
1
archaic : one who practices economy
2
: a specialist in economics

Examples of economist in a Sentence

Economists are predicting rapid inflation.
Recent Examples on the Web
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However, economists warned that risks of full-year growth undershooting its target remain, calling for fresh policy support in the second half of the year. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025 One said shoppers boosted their spending at U.S. retailers last month, as economists expected, while another said that manufacturing in New York state unexpectedly grew. Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025 The jump was partly because of tariffs, economists said, and makes a September rate cute more uncertain. Medora Lee, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 However, some economists say there are early signs suggesting AI may already be depressing entry-level jobs. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for economist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French oeconome, iconome "manager of a household" (borrowed from Medieval Latin oeconomus, going back to Late Latin, "administrator, manager," borrowed from Greek oikonómos "manager of a household, steward") + -ist entry 1 — more at economy entry 1

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of economist was in 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Economist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economist. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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