Doctor: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for a person qualified to treat people who are ill. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

• I need to see my doctor for a check-up.
• The doctor prescribed me some medicine.

A term primarily used in the U.S.A. and other English-speaking countries to refer to someone who treats illnesses with medicine and not surgery. Often used in healthcare settings.

• She consulted a physician about her persistent cough.
• Physicians recommend getting vaccinated before the flu season.

A doctor who specializes in performing surgery. Used in contexts involving surgical procedures.

• The surgeon performed a successful heart operation.
• She became a renowned surgeon after years of practice.

More formal term for someone who practices medicine, often used in official or academic settings.

• Medical practitioners must stay updated with the latest medical research.
• The hospital hired several new medical practitioners.

Can also refer to someone who has earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a specific field.

• After years of study, she finally became a doctor of philosophy.
• He is a doctor in the field of engineering.

Specifically refers to the degree itself and often indicates a high level of expertise in a particular academic area.

• She is pursuing her Ph.D. in physics.
• He earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.

Generally refers to someone who has a lot of knowledge in a specific area of study, often through extensive reading and research.

• The professor is a well-respected scholar in medieval literature.
• He is a scholar who has published numerous papers on ancient history.

Refers to someone who works in education or research, especially at a university level.

• He is an academic who teaches at a prestigious university.
• Her academic research focuses on environmental science.