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

2

: 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

specialist adjective

or specialistic

ˌspe-shə-ˈli-stik 

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

Like 911 for emergencies, 211 is a national three-digit dialing code, launched in 2000, that connects callers to information specialists at the nearest local 211 helpline. —Matthew W. Kreuter, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

The science specialist university, together with Jabra, studied how voice technology will impact the future of work, and the scientists predicted that by 2028, voice AI will become the default way of working. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025

That could include adding positions like peer support specialists, addressing retention challenges like access to child care and establishing partnerships between hospitals and nearby colleges to produce a steady stream of workers. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Some have been told to work with a wildfire mitigation specialist to cut their risk or face losing coverage. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specialist

• specialist shop
• sub-specialist

Kids 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

specialist adjective

or specialistic

ˌspesh-ə-ˈlis-tik 

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