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 very same river whose pools granted shelter to the Loa water frog, rescued from extinction by renowned naturalist Andy Cherrier and his colleagues. — Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026

Back in 2020, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their little brother, Prince Louis, now 8, appeared in a social media video to ask TV icon and naturalist Sir David Attenborough their top questions about animals. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

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, 10 July 2026

Sir David Attenborough, the famed naturalist and filmmaker who turned 100 in May, broke the record for the oldest nominee in Primetime Emmy history today, scoring not one but two nominations for Outstanding Narrator. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

naturalist

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​ist ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ləst 

: a person who specializes in natural history

naturalist adjective