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

Two sources told the outlet that Counterintelligence specialists were asked to drop other assignments to work on processing Epstein files, but some declined. —Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

The team will be supported by specialists in operations, air traffic control and meteorology. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025

First, gauge someone’s capacity for the truth As a child-life specialist and therapist, Kelsey Mora specializes in supporting families impacted by illness, grief, and tragedy. —Angela Haupt, Time, 19 Dec. 2025

Christie's associate specialist, Julia Jones, joined Amy in Atlanta to sort through a storage facility that once belonged to the late president and first lady, reports People. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 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