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

Adam Dietz, PhD, is a philosopher-writer, broadcaster, and podcaster focused on wisdom as a lived practice. — Big Think, 31 July 2026

The philosopher, historian, and author of mega-selling books Yuval Noah Harari has given the campaign his personal endorsement. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 30 July 2026

The exam’s board also includes many conservative luminaries, including Christopher Rufo, as well as philosopher, Cornel West. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can. — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

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