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

Torres’ departure makes this need even more apparent, as Barcelona are now left without any specialists in the position. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

The United States continues to offer deep specialist capital, a large commercial market and strong incentives for high-value launches. — Kimberley Jane Barnes, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Pediatric specialists say signs of overload include kids leaning forward, struggling to walk or complaining of pain, and urge families to keep bags as light as possible. — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Joining an outside linebacker room of Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Sam Williams and Marist Liufau, Miller is expected to be factored in on late downs as a pass rush specialist. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 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