sawbones

noun

ˈsȯ-ˌbōnz How to pronounce sawbones (audio)
Definition of sawbonesnext
slang
as in doctor
a person specially trained in healing human medical disorders a real old-timer who remembers when you could expect a sawbones to make a house call

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sawbones
  1. doctor
  2. physician
Noun
  • Nelson believes trials like this one are just the beginning of the future of regenerative medicine — and of a future where doctors will be able to repair brain damage.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Cuba’s doctors for decades have worked in developing nations such as Gambia and Venezuela, skilled in providing care with scarce resources.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of doctor
Noun
  • Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • His research has revealed a history that extends beyond one church to include Black architects, physicians, Freemasons and civic leaders whose contributions helped shape Kansas City.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of physician
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.

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saw after
sawbones
sawbuck
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Cite this Entry

“Sawbones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sawbones. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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