medical examiner

noun

: a usually appointed public officer whose duties are similar to those of a coroner but who is typically required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

Examples of medical examiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adair’s death was ruled a homicide by a medical examiner, and a Wyandotte County deputy has been charged with second degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 The medical examiner who performed Laura Hern's autopsy did not find external signs of foul play. Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025 After conducting autopsies, medical examiners at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory determined Holly Parham's death was the result of a homicide, while David Parham's death was ruled a suicide, the release states. Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2025 During a preliminary exam in December, the county's deputy chief medical examiner testified that Murray's cause of death was neck compression. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for medical examiner

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical examiner was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Medical examiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical%20examiner. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

medical examiner

noun
1
: a usually appointed public officer with duties similar to those of a coroner but who is required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies
2
: a physician employed to make medical examinations (as of applicants for military service or of claimants of workers' compensation)
3
: a physician appointed to examine and license candidates for the practice of medicine in a political jurisdiction (as a state)

Legal Definition

medical examiner

noun
med·​i·​cal examiner
: a public officer who determines the necessity of and conducts autopsies

More from Merriam-Webster on medical examiner

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