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
Here, grizzlies don’t equate people with food—as opposed to populated areas where alluring smells forge a connection—and have learned to tolerate humans, thanks to decades of naturalists adopting nonthreatening practices.
—
Susan Portnoy, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
Fortunately, in the case of Florida springs, historical observations from naturalists and area residents give scientists clues going back centuries.
—Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Outside, the grounds read like a naturalist’s dream—California redwoods towering over the spring garden, woodlands alive with pine martens and sparrowhawks, and jetties waiting for fishing boats.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
Yet visitors can still find secluded stretches and coves of golden sands and craggy coastal formations, some of the best tidepools anywhere and about 2,400 acres of beach and backcountry that make Crystal Cove a favorite of naturalists.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
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Susan Portnoy, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
Fortunately, in the case of Florida springs, historical observations from naturalists and area residents give scientists clues going back centuries.
—Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Outside, the grounds read like a naturalist’s dream—California redwoods towering over the spring garden, woodlands alive with pine martens and sparrowhawks, and jetties waiting for fishing boats.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
Yet visitors can still find secluded stretches and coves of golden sands and craggy coastal formations, some of the best tidepools anywhere and about 2,400 acres of beach and backcountry that make Crystal Cove a favorite of naturalists.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalist
Cite this Entry
“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
naturalist
noun
nat·u·ral·ist
ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ləst
: a person who specializes in natural history
naturalist
adjective
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