medical examiner

noun

: a usually appointed public officer whose duties are similar to those of a coroner but who is typically required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

Examples of medical examiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mississippi’s medical examiner has completed Nolan Wells’ autopsy report, officials told NBC News on Thursday. — Kenzi Abou-Sabe, NBC news, 31 July 2026

While the medical examiner's application determines eligibility for release, the decision is at the sole discretion of the Prisoner Review Board. — Jerry Nowicki, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Three days after Tolbert found Juliana’s body, the medical examiner’s office concluded that Juliana died by suicide. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Edmonston’s death has been ruled an accident, according to the medical examiner. — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for medical examiner

• interlaminar
• laminar

Medical Definition

medical examiner

noun

1

: a usually appointed public officer with duties similar to those of a coroner but who is required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

2

: a physician employed to make medical examinations (as of applicants for military service or of claimants of workers' compensation)

3

: a physician appointed to examine and license candidates for the practice of medicine in a political jurisdiction (as a state)

Legal Definition

medical examiner

noun

med·​i·​cal examiner

: a public officer who determines the necessity of and conducts autopsies