specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspe-sh(ə-)list 

1

: one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study

a specialist in disorders of the immune system

a specialist in international law

"What does Dr. James Mortimer, the man of science, ask of Sherlock Holmes, the specialist in crime?"

—Arthur Conan Doyle

2

: an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal

also : any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major

3

: an organism (such as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat

specialist adjective

or specialistic

ˌspe-shə-ˈli-stik 

Examples of specialist in a Sentence

She consulted a marketing specialist when she decided to go into business.

He saw a specialist for his foot problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

To help close this gap, federal agencies could fund additional fellowship positions or loan-repayment programs for male-fertility specialists who commit to working in medically underserved areas. —Lucy Tu, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025

The Coalition Closing the Chasm The demand for electricians, plumbers, welders, cybersecurity technicians, advanced manufacturers, and HVAC specialists is dramatically outpacing supply. —Scott White, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

Amazon This hair tool bag is a relatively new product from neoprene-makeup-bag specialist Kusshi—a carrying case just for hair tools that’s heat-resistant up to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025

Typically, only a small portion of the peloton put in their full effort in time trials — specialists in the discipline and GC contenders. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specialist

• specialist shop
• sub-specialist

Kids Definition

specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst 

1

: a person who studies or works at a special occupation or branch of learning

an eye specialist

2

: an enlisted person in the army with a rank similar to that of corporal

specialist adjective

or specialistic

ˌspesh-ə-ˈlis-tik 

Medical Definition

specialist

noun

spe·​cial·​ist ˈspesh-(ə-)ləst 

: a medical practitioner whose practice is limited to a particular class of patients (as children) or of diseases (as skin diseases) or of technique (as surgery)

especially : a physician who is qualified by advanced training and certification by a specialty examining board to so limit his or her practice