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.
An emergency medicine physician was also deployed to the Milligan University campus to assist with on-site triage and coordination of care. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026 In both instances, the hospital officials cited a decrease in birth numbers and a shortage in physicians. Joy Benedict, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 She has also been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine and improper use of the title of physician and receiving payment for a surgical procedure based on that misrepresentation, Hayden's office shared. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 Two Connecticut men are facing charges in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicaid by impersonating a physician. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 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 5 Feb. 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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