physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzi-shən 

plural physicians

1

: a person trained in the art of healing

specifically : a health care professional (such as a dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, or urologist) who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine

2

: someone or something that has a beneficial effect or influence

Do justice with mercy. That is what, in essence, the brilliant physician of the heart and soul, Maimonides, tried to teach us 900 years ago.

—Jack Weinstein

Synonyms

• croaker [slang]
• doc
• doctor
• medic
• medico
• sawbones [slang]

Examples of physician in a Sentence

you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever

Recent Examples on the Web

Some physicians who once offered IVF as a standard treatment, like one of the authors here (Dr. Rubal), have grown deeply concerned about its ethical implications. —Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

For example, under the current reimbursement system, Medicare compensates hospitals more than independent physician offices for performing the same service. —Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Though Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital has seen its fair share of shocks and surprises, including character returns, there’s one fan-favorite physician that isn’t likely to grace the ABC medical procedural again. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 June 2025

The origins of the bookseller date back to 1875, when two physicians opened a small pharmacy in the heart of a then-young Naperville. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English phisicien, fisicien, from Anglo-French, from phisique medicine

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physician

• family physician
• physician assistant
• physician-assisted suicide
• physician's assistant

Rhymes for physician

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a specialist in healing human diseases

especially : one educated and licensed to practice medicine

Medical Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a health-care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine