physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce physician (audio)
plural physicians
Synonyms of physiciannext
1
: a person trained in the art of healing
specifically : a health care professional (such as a dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, or urologist) who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine
2
: someone or something that has a beneficial effect or influence
Do justice with mercy. That is what, in essence, the brilliant physician of the heart and soul, Maimonides, tried to teach us 900 years ago.Jack Weinstein

Synonyms of physician

Examples of physician in a Sentence

you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever
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.
However, physician care and home health care costs were tame. Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026 Black female physicians have the highest mortality rate among doctors. Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026 If the deal goes through, the combined system would have 18,000 physicians, 88,000 team members at 39 hospitals and 400 care sites across California, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Aki Nace, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 The combined organization will be able to better withstand the challenges the health care industry is facing, such as physician shortages, Thomas said. Catherine Ho, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physician

Word History

Etymology

Middle English phisicien, fisicien, from Anglo-French, from phisique medicine

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physician was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Physician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physician. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

physician

noun
phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce physician (audio)
: a specialist in healing human diseases
especially : one educated and licensed to practice medicine

Medical Definition

physician

noun
phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce physician (audio)
: a health care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine

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