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
The camp is a program of the Woodcraft Rangers, founded by author and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton, whose pioneering Woodcraft Rangers program was a forerunner to groups such as the Boy Scouts.
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Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
During this time, those of us whose lives are entwined with the canyon — hiking guides and river guides, geologists and naturalists, historians and writers — communicated incessantly with one another.
—New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for naturalist
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Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
During this time, those of us whose lives are entwined with the canyon — hiking guides and river guides, geologists and naturalists, historians and writers — communicated incessantly with one another.
—New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for naturalist
Cite this Entry
“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 28 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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