philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

a

: a person whose philosophical perspective makes meeting trouble with equanimity easier

b

: an expounder of a theory in a particular area of experience

c

: one who philosophizes

Examples of philosopher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pair had interesting company there: Their neighbors were the philosophers Hannah Arendt and Baruch Spinoza and the eighth-century Chinese poet Du Fu. —The Atlantic, 15 May 2025

Solitude is not seen as a negative word, but in the sense that philosophers, artists and artists need to be alone to work. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

For far too many believers and non-believers alike, Jesus has been reduced to a mere man—an ancient superhero/philosopher/wise man—and no more. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura is a culinary philosopher, known as much for his poetic musings as his Michelin stars. —Jesse Scott, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English philosophe, philosophre, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophus, from Greek philosophos, from phil- + sophia wisdom, from sophos wise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosopher

• philosopher's stone

Kids Definition

philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

: a person who is calm and patient when faced with trouble