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
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The event offered Saturday and Sunday by the Kane County Forest Preserve District gave families the opportunity to watch naturalists tap into maple trees in search of what some call the liquid gold that eventually yields true maple syrup.
—
David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
That basic story traces back at least to Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who developed the theory of natural selection.
—Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, noting that in the last week of February, her team of naturalists and captains spotted 135 gray whales, compared to 28 at the same time last year.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
The sea mammals travel a long way to California, the naturalists explained.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
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David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
That basic story traces back at least to Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who developed the theory of natural selection.
—Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, noting that in the last week of February, her team of naturalists and captains spotted 135 gray whales, compared to 28 at the same time last year.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
The sea mammals travel a long way to California, the naturalists explained.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalist
Cite this Entry
“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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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