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

For example, the group’s Parkway MediCentre, which is located in Singapore’s Woodleigh district, offers chronic disease management services and consultations with dermatology and obstetrics and gynaecology specialists. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

The doctor reached out to Michael Wilson, a leader in the field of metagenomics who works as a neuroinfectious-disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Williams and Alcaraz, 23, won a first-round match over doubles specialists Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool in straight sets before losing in the quarterfinals to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

All three rookies will safely back it onto Miami’s 53-man roster, along with Malik Washington, who is a reliable slot receiver and return specialist. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

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