dentist

noun

den·​tist ˈden-təst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: one who is skilled in and licensed to practice the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth

Examples of dentist in a Sentence

I saw her at the dentist last week. He goes to the dentist's for a check-up every six months.
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.
The 6-foot senior outside hitter will forego playing the sport after high school to begin his journey at Marquette with the hopes of becoming a dentist. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 The world’s first dentist was a Neanderthal, according to a recent study. ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026 Besides those figures holding mufflers and tires, others were outfitted as cowboys, Indians, lumberjacks (often known as Paul Bunyans), astronauts, chefs, dentists, golfers, hot dog vendors, race-car drivers, pirates and service-station attendants. Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 Of course, not all care is good care, as anyone who has ever encountered a clumsy dentist will tell you. Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dentist

Word History

Etymology

French dentiste, from dent

First Known Use

circa 1746, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dentist was circa 1746

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dentist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dentist. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

dentist

noun
den·​tist ˈdent-əst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: a professional person who is trained in the care, treatment, and repair of the teeth and the fitting of artificial teeth

Medical Definition

dentist

noun
den·​tist ˈdent-əst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: a licensed practitioner who is skilled in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth

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