specialist
noun
spe·cial·ist
ˈspe-sh(ə-)list 
1
: one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study
a specialist in disorders of the immune system
a specialist in international law
"What does Dr. James Mortimer, the man of science, ask of Sherlock Holmes, the specialist in crime?"—
Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle2
: an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal
also
: any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major
3
: an organism (such as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat
Examples of specialist in a Sentence
She consulted a marketing specialist when she decided to go into business.
He saw a specialist for his foot problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
What To Know The USCIS's latest announcement follows a double shooting that took place near the White House on Wednesday, resulting in the death of specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard.
—Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Now, infection-control specialists say small, inexpensive interventions — such as routine replacement of cubicle curtains — could dramatically reduce those risks.
—Karina Nicholas, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Wolfe, 24, from Martinsburg, was serving in the unit's 167th Force Support Squadron as a personnel and human resources specialist.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2025
Macy’s Parade Studio is made up of at least 60 artisans and production specialists — including painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, and designers — all working together to make each vision a reality.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specialist
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Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Now, infection-control specialists say small, inexpensive interventions — such as routine replacement of cubicle curtains — could dramatically reduce those risks.
—Karina Nicholas, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Wolfe, 24, from Martinsburg, was serving in the unit's 167th Force Support Squadron as a personnel and human resources specialist.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2025
Macy’s Parade Studio is made up of at least 60 artisans and production specialists — including painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, and designers — all working together to make each vision a reality.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specialist
Cite this Entry
“Specialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialist. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
specialist
noun
spe·cial·ist
ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst
1
: a person who studies or works at a special occupation or branch of learning
an eye specialist
2
: an enlisted person in the army with a rank similar to that of corporal
Medical Definition
specialist
noun
spe·cial·ist
ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst
: a medical practitioner whose practice is limited to a particular class of patients (as children) or of diseases (as skin diseases) or of technique (as surgery)
especially
: a physician who is qualified by advanced training and certification by a specialty examining board to so limit his or her practice
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