medical examiner

noun

: a usually appointed public officer whose duties are similar to those of a coroner but who is typically required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

Examples of medical examiner in a Sentence

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.
According to documents from the medical examiner’s office in Pinellas County, Fla., the wrestling legend died last month at age 71 after suffering a heart attack. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025 According to the Travis County medical examiner, each of them had been shot twice in the back of the head, and three of the victims were burned beyond recognition. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Rangel died from gunshot wounds to his arm and torso, according to the medical examiner. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2025 The man who was killed was Charles Lipsey, 24, of Richton Park, according to the medical examiner’s office. Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for medical examiner

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical examiner was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Medical examiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical%20examiner. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

medical examiner

noun
1
: a usually appointed public officer with duties similar to those of a coroner but who is required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies
2
: a physician employed to make medical examinations (as of applicants for military service or of claimants of workers' compensation)
3
: a physician appointed to examine and license candidates for the practice of medicine in a political jurisdiction (as a state)

Legal Definition

medical examiner

noun
med·​i·​cal examiner
: a public officer who determines the necessity of and conducts autopsies

More from Merriam-Webster on medical examiner

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