naturalist

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​ist ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-list How to pronounce naturalist (audio)
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
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The constrictor, named for Rolf Blomberg, the Swedish naturalist who first described the species, can reach six feet in length and comes in an array of earthy browns, oranges and reds, with patterned spots along its sides. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025 In 1983, the naturalist Wallace Stegner wrote a letter to National Park Service Director Russell E. Dickerson to advocate for the enduring protection of public land. James Edward Mills, Outside Online, 16 May 2025 The cardboard, as well as the vegetation, will compost, the naturalist assures, which will result in richer soil and a fresh new garden bed, too. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025 For nineteenth century individualists, essentialists, and naturalists, the point should be to walk for walking’s sake, not for fame or outward fitness or money. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naturalist

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of naturalist was in 1587

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Cite this Entry

“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

naturalist

noun
nat·​u·​ral·​ist ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ləst How to pronounce naturalist (audio)
: a person who specializes in natural history
naturalist adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on naturalist

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