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 philosopher-entrepreneur of cashmere has stepped in front of the camera to play the most challenging role of all—himself—in Brunello, The Gracious Visionary, a docu-film tracing the arc of his life and ideals. —Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025

The finding that people are most effectively persuaded by evidence rather than by emotion or feelings of group membership is encouraging, says Adina Roskies, a philosopher and cognitive scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who also was not involved in the studies. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 4 Dec. 2025

Among his other accomplishments, Albert was best known for organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851, which was the first world's fair hosting some of the most renowned scientists, artists and philosophers. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

For years, philosophers and psychologists have debated whether empathy helps or hinders the ways people decide how to help others. —Stylianos Syropoulos, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 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