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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The cardboard, as well as the vegetation, will compost, the naturalist assures, which will result in richer soil and a fresh new garden bed, too. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 Wearing the biggest, most resplendent headwear of all was Alex Oloonkishu, Bateleur’s camp naturalist. Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026 For a few years now, Jonah McDonald, the naturalist for DeKalb County’s parks, has maintained several trail cameras in a secluded wetland at Mason Mill Park in Decatur. Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Feb. 2026 Volunteer naturalists will present information on the preserve’s history, bird life and more. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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