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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Afterward, participants can join the experts for a short drive to the Sand Canyon area for a short naturalist walk. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Crabbing and fishing, naturalists treks, sunrise kayaking on the Kiawah River, and more await. Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025 The series is a weekly 45-minute program presented by park naturalists, park police officers and volunteers. Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 Darwin’s neighbor John Lubbock was among the first Victorian naturalists to perform language experiments on an animal. Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near naturalist

Cite this Entry

“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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