generalist
noun
gen·er·al·ist
ˈjen-rə-list 
ˈje-nə-
: one whose skills, interests, or habits are varied or unspecialized
Examples of generalist in a Sentence
The staff includes both generalists and specialists.
Recent Examples on the Web
One major challenge is the generalist-versus-specialist trap.
—
Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Though restrictions apply, rock and jazz generalists can spelunk the collections of George Avakian, the power producer/manager/exec behind Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Cage, Alan Hovhaness, Keith Jarrett, and Sonny Rollins.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Vendors that can support domain-specific agents for contracts, claims and compliance filings will outperform generalist platforms.
—Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Many species of whiteflies target only specific types of plants, but silverleaf whiteflies and some other whitefly species are generalists that feed on a broad range of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalist
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Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Though restrictions apply, rock and jazz generalists can spelunk the collections of George Avakian, the power producer/manager/exec behind Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Cage, Alan Hovhaness, Keith Jarrett, and Sonny Rollins.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Vendors that can support domain-specific agents for contracts, claims and compliance filings will outperform generalist platforms.
—Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Many species of whiteflies target only specific types of plants, but silverleaf whiteflies and some other whitefly species are generalists that feed on a broad range of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for generalist
Cite this Entry
“Generalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalist. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
generalist
noun
gen·er·al·ist
ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst
: a person whose skills or interests extend to several different fields
Medical Definition
generalist
noun
gen·er·al·ist
ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst
: an individual whose skills or interests extend to several different medical fields
especially
: general practitioner
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