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
Jessica Barrett and Chris Fusco After Bri initiated their breakup, Chris went forward with his connection with Jessica, an infectious diseases physician who opened up about her hospital job being a major factor in her divorce.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
For a piece in this week’s issue, Dhruv Khullar, a practicing physician and a New Yorker contributing writer covering health care, investigated whether the drug can deliver on that promise.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Christopher Sharon, who is not a physician, also did not immediately connect the supplement to his and his wife’s health issues.
—Emily Brindley, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
But make sure to speak to your physician about what works best for you, your body and your needs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physician
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.
Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
For a piece in this week’s issue, Dhruv Khullar, a practicing physician and a New Yorker contributing writer covering health care, investigated whether the drug can deliver on that promise.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Christopher Sharon, who is not a physician, also did not immediately connect the supplement to his and his wife’s health issues.
—Emily Brindley, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
But make sure to speak to your physician about what works best for you, your body and your needs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physician
Cite this Entry
“Physician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physician. Accessed 14 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
