physician
noun
phy·si·cian
fə-ˈzi-shən 
plural physicians
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
Jack WeinsteinExamples of physician in a Sentence
you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever
Recent Examples on the Web
Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
There’s a dentist, a first-year medical student, a recent medical school grad, a Theranos whistleblower, biotech and pharma executives, a medical archivist, a nutrition science researcher, a biomedical scientist, so many physicians, and other experts.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Dec. 2025
Patricia’s primary care physician was based out of state, so her death was referred to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Schaner, the Sono Bello medical director, said the company has a phone messaging system that ensures patients can get in touch with their surgeon or other company physicians.
—Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physician
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Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
There’s a dentist, a first-year medical student, a recent medical school grad, a Theranos whistleblower, biotech and pharma executives, a medical archivist, a nutrition science researcher, a biomedical scientist, so many physicians, and other experts.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Dec. 2025
Patricia’s primary care physician was based out of state, so her death was referred to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Schaner, the Sono Bello medical director, said the company has a phone messaging system that ensures patients can get in touch with their surgeon or other company physicians.
—Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physician
Cite this Entry
“Physician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physician. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
physician
noun
phy·si·cian
fə-ˈzish-ən
: a specialist in healing human diseases
especially
: one educated and licensed to practice medicine
Medical Definition
physician
noun
phy·si·cian
fə-ˈzish-ən
: 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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