genealogist

noun

ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gist ˌjē-nē-ˈä-lə-jist How to pronounce genealogist (audio)
 also  -ˈa-lə-,
 also  ˌje-nē-
: a person who traces or studies the descent of persons or families

Examples of genealogist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Freedmen’s Bureau recently digitized its search portal for archives from 1865-1872 to allow family historians and genealogists to research the history of their ancestors in the United States. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 June 2025 The investigative series captures the relentless pursuit of truth by a dedicated team of genealogists, detectives, coroners and journalists to identify the remains of unmourned and unnamed bodies. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 26 July 2025 The nation’s first president, Washington, was an avid genealogist who understood how his own family history was intertwined with those who his relatives had enslaved. Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025 Newton learned the revelation from genealogist and scholar John Mills, bringing a sense of importance and purpose to the Connecticut native’s life. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for genealogist

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genealogist was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

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

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