doctor of philosophy

noun

plural doctors of philosophy
: the highest degree awarded in many academic disciplines
She graduated with a doctor of philosophy in education/mathematics/history.
Most have advanced degrees, including a few doctors of philosophyDave Hurst
also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy
Baranowski is director of the Homestead Agricultural and Research Education Center, a 160-acre farming laboratory of scientists in blue jeans, doctors of philosophy with dusty boots. Ena Naunton
abbreviation PhD, Ph.D.

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctor of philosophy was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near doctor of philosophy

Cite this Entry

“Doctor of philosophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctor%20of%20philosophy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!