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

As part of the five-year, $90 million contract signed by the 3-point specialist in the 2021 offseason, Robinson negotiated the right to terminate his contract ahead of the $20 million salary deadline on the final year, with that deadline at 5 p.m. Sunday. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025

Research like this is indicative of a changing mindset, says Alessandro Isola, product manager at luxury travel specialist Abercrombie and Kent USA. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 June 2025

While they were hired to support language learning, the specialists emerged as catalysts for converting negative emotions into positive behavioral change. —Iese Business School, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Thankfully, the family found a sarcoma specialist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto — someone who had treated not just one, but dozens of patients with her specific cancer. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 25 June 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