practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈti-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce practitioner (audio)
Synonyms of practitionernext
1
: one who practices or is regularly engaged in a skillful activity
a yoga practitioner
practitioners of the art of glassblowing
especially : one who practices a profession
a health care practitioner
legal practitioners
2
Christian Science : an authorized healer

Examples of practitioner in a Sentence

a French doctor who was once the most famous practitioner of natural childbirth
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
My whole body felt softer and stronger after a Pinda Sweda Kizi massage with warm herbal poultices by Abhi, a sweet-natured practitioner from Kerala, the home of Ayurveda. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026 With a maximum cap of 200 guests, Kula Yoga Fest aims to embrace everyone from the never-evers to the dedicated practitioners. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026 But rising costs essentially forced these small practitioners to flee to the safety of larger hospital systems, according to Hayes. Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 However, a registered nurse still needs to have ultrasound results read and interpreted by an advanced practitioner, such as a physician. Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practitioner

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier practician, from Middle English (Scots) pratician, from Middle French practicien, from pratique practice

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practitioner was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practitioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practitioner. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

practitioner

noun
prac·​ti·​tio·​ner
prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər
: a person who practices a profession and especially law or medicine

Medical Definition

practitioner

noun
prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər How to pronounce practitioner (audio)
: one who practices a profession and especially medicine

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