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

Trench specialist The Horned Frogs were never able to find a consistent rushing attack under Briles, ranking 13th and 14th the past two seasons in the 16-team Big 12. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Dec. 2025

Kirschenmann is seeking more mental health support for students, special ed aides, education specialists and classroom supplies to help improve classroom conditions. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Over the objections of pediatricians and infectious-disease specialists, Florida health officials took initial steps Friday to do away with certain vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. —CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Remigio is the Chiefs’ primary punt-return specialist and leads the team in kickoff returns. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 12 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