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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If planned responsibly, in cooperation with local people and naturalists, experiences like these could support conservation and communities. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026 At breakfast and lunch, naturalists stop in to plot the day’s excursions—from fishing trips to kayak tours to birding outings—based on the group’s interests. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 Still, within many hunters and anglers lives an avid naturalist who is nearly as fascinated by the functional beauty that lies beneath fur and feather. Jeff Wilson, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026 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 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 19 Mar. 2026.

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

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