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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These touches are limited mainly to his work as a biological naturalist. Robert M. Thorson, The Conversation, 8 May 2026 In the case of Attenboroughnculus tau, the tribute to the naturalist’s name is in the genus, while the species name tau refers to the markings on the insect’s abdomen, which resemble a T or the Greek letter tau. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 8 May 2026 As the naturalist and chef on board, Smith prepared to make breakfast and write about the rainy, foggy conditions in her daily log. Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026 Seven decades or so earlier, the Scottish naturalist James Hutton had argued that geological processes played out gradually over previously unimagined periods of time. Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Naturalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalist. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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

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