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

Chris Oakley said the cause of the deaths would be determined by the medical examiner. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The city’s medical examiner will determine Boahene’s cause of death, and an investigation into the incident remains underway. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026

Before death counts are released by NCHS, death certificates are first completed by state and local medical officials including physicians, medical examiners, and coroners. — Denys T. Lau, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026

Samuel Dukes testified, citing the medical examiner's opinion. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 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