family doctor

noun

1
: a doctor regularly consulted by a family
2

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Max Schur was a Jewish internist who had undergone psychoanalysis, and who became the Freud family doctor. Patrick Blanchfield, The New Republic, 1 Sep. 2022 For more than 55 years, Dr. Nathan Zimmerman was an old-time family doctor. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 25 Nov. 2020 In some ways, Dr. Ashley’s vision for the ideal use of antidepressant is the exception to the rule of how antidepressants are more commonly prescribed in the United States: in a primary care setting, by a family doctor or internist, unaccompanied by talk therapy. New York Times, 9 July 2022 As a last resort, our family doctor recommended using enemas for several days in a row. Annie Lane, oregonlive, 24 Jan. 2023 The system also provides limited primary care, which could drive even moderately sick people to hospitals as opposed to calling a family doctor – putting more strain on hospitals, according to Yale’s Chen. Simone Mccarthy, CNN, 6 Dec. 2022 Our family doctor made a house call. Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2020 Bobby’s family doctor was also concerned about his small size and appetite. Amitha Kalaichandran, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2018 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'family doctor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of family doctor was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near family doctor

Cite this Entry

“Family doctor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20doctor. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

family doctor

noun
1
: a doctor regularly consulted by a family in time of medical need
2

More from Merriam-Webster on family doctor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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