naturalist

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​ist ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-list How to pronounce naturalist (audio)
1
: one that advocates or practices naturalism
2
: a student of natural history
especially : a field biologist

Examples of naturalist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The 7 Seas Whale Watch was heading out to look for whales when their naturalist spotted a shark fin. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025 Fifteen or twenty naturalists, most of us amateurs, gather and split into several teams to search a set list of local fields and woods. Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 Beyond our villa, wildlife lurked in the forest, and several members of the resort’s staff were, like Nando, natural naturalists. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025 Federally protected since 1985, this crucial preserve has earned widespread recognition with naturalists thanks to its high-quality montane rainforest habitats, with a wealth of native birds, reptiles and insects flourishing within the region. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for naturalist

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of naturalist was in 1587

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Cite this Entry

“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

naturalist

noun
nat·​u·​ral·​ist ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ləst How to pronounce naturalist (audio)
: a person who specializes in natural history
naturalist adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on naturalist

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