PhD

abbreviation or noun

variants or Ph.D.
plural PhDs or Ph.D.s
: the academic degree, title, or rank of doctor of philosophy
He was awarded a PhD in economics.
Jane Smith, Ph.D.
also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Watson School of Biological Sciences graduated its first PhDs (14 of them) in June 2004 … Horace Freeland Judson

Examples of PhD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meet The Expert Sheldon Owen, PhD, is a wildlife extension specialist at West Virginia University. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 June 2025 Weaver, the Texas researcher, mentioned a grant that helped students who graduated from small colleges that lack research opportunities get research experience before applying to PhD programs. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 18 June 2025 More than 50% of both MD and PhD programs are filled with women, but only 12% become full professors, department chairs or deans. Afshan Musani, CNBC, 18 June 2025 His PhD track presented an opportunity to dive deep into the philosophy of how knowledge is generated and used, particularly the concept of integrating environmental and social change into business strategies. Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for PhD

Word History

Etymology

New Latin philosophiae doctor

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of PhD was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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