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

Such aircraft typically cost around $220 million a piece, require a crew of between 10 and 12 specialists, and are constantly in need of repairs. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025

Another specialist and another diagnosis later, Lundgren is doing well. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 22 Nov. 2025

Kicker Tyler Rausa, who played at Boise State from 2013-16, returned in 2023 to work as an assistant specialists coach for the program. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Nov. 2025

How the restoration came together Gunnar Wynarski, a vehicle specialist at Volkswagen, said the damage to the vehicle, including dirt, embers and ash that had blown into the broken rear window, was extensive. —Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 21 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