physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce physician (audio)
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

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.
Both graduated compression stockings and anti-embolism stockings typically require a prescription from a primary care physician or a specialist, if the condition is more severe. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2025 An advisory about fine particle air pollution from the highest-ranking physician in the United States would be a powerful tool in helping policymakers and communities better protect the health of current and future generations for years to come. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Photographers captured a player being examined by a team a team physician and another shows an intimate shot of a player undergoing a dental checkup. Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025 In 1973, Saint Therese was designated Lake County’s first official trauma center, staffed with physicians and nurses specially trained in triage and trauma care. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near physician

Cite this Entry

“Physician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physician. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on physician

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