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
Iowa return specialist Kaden Wetjen, who has six return touchdowns on his résumé, helps replace Calvin Austin III at punt returner and Kenneth Gainwell as a kick returner.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Industry development specialist Sheree Ramage shepherded the delegation to Udine, bringing filmmakers Ana Tiwary and Katrina Irawati Graham – both of whom work under the banner of indiVisual films – international – into the fold.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
If suspicious activity is detected, users receive support from fraud resolution specialists who help contact agencies, prepare documentation, and dispute unauthorized accounts.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
—Sara Vallone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specialist
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show current usage.
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Mike Defabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Industry development specialist Sheree Ramage shepherded the delegation to Udine, bringing filmmakers Ana Tiwary and Katrina Irawati Graham – both of whom work under the banner of indiVisual films – international – into the fold.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
If suspicious activity is detected, users receive support from fraud resolution specialists who help contact agencies, prepare documentation, and dispute unauthorized accounts.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
—Sara Vallone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specialist
Cite this Entry
“Specialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialist. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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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