Simple Definition of doctorate

from our Learner's Dictionary

doctorate

noun

plural doctorates
: the highest degree that is given by a university
She got a job teaching at the university after earning her doctorate. [=PhD]

Cite this Entry

“Doctorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/doctorate. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on doctorate

More from Merriam-Webster