philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

a

: a person whose philosophical perspective makes meeting trouble with equanimity easier

b

: an expounder of a theory in a particular area of experience

c

: one who philosophizes

Examples of philosopher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During this period, philosophers found common ground between men of differing socioeconomic status, but a widening gender divide. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025

The philosopher dedicated his 1934 book Art as Experience to Barnes, suggesting the relationship was to some degree reciprocal, though the $5,000-a-year stipend Barnes arranged for Dewey likely helped. —Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 12 Mar. 2025

The philosopher Don Alfonso wins the bet because, as we are all supposed to know, così fan tutte, women are like that. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025

Bruce, the philosopher sage of New Jersey, is unlike your average rock star. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English philosophe, philosophre, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophus, from Greek philosophos, from phil- + sophia wisdom, from sophos wise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosopher

• philosopher's stone

Kids Definition

philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

: a person who is calm and patient when faced with trouble