plural PhDs
1
: the highest degree given by a university or college
He got his PhD [=doctorate] from Harvard.
She has two PhDs. [=doctoral degrees]
a PhD candidate [=a person who is trying to get a PhD]
2
: a person who has a PhD
We're not hiring new PhDs at this point.
Sheila Jones, PhD
Note: PhD is an abbreviation of "doctor of philosophy."
Cite this Entry
“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/PhD. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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