naturalist
noun
nat·u·ral·ist
ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-list 
1
: one that advocates or practices naturalism
2
: a student of natural history
especially
: a field biologist
Examples of naturalist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In August, naturalist and shark scientist Peter Gausmann published research about the Carbrook creatures in an academic journal, Marine and Fishery Sciences.
—
Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
How Gardenia Got Its Name Dr. Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and naturalist, moved to Charleston in 1752.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2023
Four days were spent exploring the region’s many fjords, glaciers and icebergs up-close on eight-passenger Zodiacs driven by members of the ship’s 17-person expedition team, consisting of naturalists, botanists, marine biologists and a historian.
—Dan Fellner, The Arizona Republic, 31 Aug. 2023
Mystic Seaport Museum With a naturalist’s attuned eye and a painter’s expressive hand, the artist paints worlds most of us never think of, deploying motifs that echo through art history.
—Cate McQuaid, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2023
For each of the individual awards, a naturalist spoke briefly about the special services that volunteer has donated to the parks.
—Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023
Throughout the journey, a Forest Preserve District naturalist will make stops along the way to interpret the natural and cultural history of the forest preserves, according to a press release from the district.
—Beacon-News Staff, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2023
Today’s naturalists are studying a world a bit different than Darwin.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Aug. 2023
Small-group excursions led by knowledgeable naturalists ensure immersive learning experiences while minimizing impact.
—James Barrett, Redbook, 17 Aug. 2023
See More
Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
How Gardenia Got Its Name Dr. Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and naturalist, moved to Charleston in 1752.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2023
Four days were spent exploring the region’s many fjords, glaciers and icebergs up-close on eight-passenger Zodiacs driven by members of the ship’s 17-person expedition team, consisting of naturalists, botanists, marine biologists and a historian.
—Dan Fellner, The Arizona Republic, 31 Aug. 2023
Mystic Seaport Museum With a naturalist’s attuned eye and a painter’s expressive hand, the artist paints worlds most of us never think of, deploying motifs that echo through art history.
—Cate McQuaid, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2023
For each of the individual awards, a naturalist spoke briefly about the special services that volunteer has donated to the parks.
—Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023
Throughout the journey, a Forest Preserve District naturalist will make stops along the way to interpret the natural and cultural history of the forest preserves, according to a press release from the district.
—Beacon-News Staff, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2023
Today’s naturalists are studying a world a bit different than Darwin.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Aug. 2023
Small-group excursions led by knowledgeable naturalists ensure immersive learning experiences while minimizing impact.
—James Barrett, Redbook, 17 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'naturalist.' 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
1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near naturalist
Cite this Entry
“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
naturalist
noun
nat·u·ral·ist
ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ləst
: a person who specializes in natural history
naturalist
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on naturalist
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share