doctorate

noun

doc·​tor·​ate ˈdäk-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce doctorate (audio)
: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

Examples of doctorate 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.
Another woman said the cruise inspired her to pursue her doctorate in health sciences. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 Stephanie is pursuing her doctorate in psychology. — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The following year, Carnegie Mellon welcomed Catlett to campus, awarding her with an honorary doctorate degree. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Disillusioned with his studies, Karp traveled throughout Europe during the summer before his final year of law school and was inspired to pursue a doctorate while living in Germany. — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctorate

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctorate was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

doctorand
doctorate
doctorbird
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doctorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctorate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

doctorate

noun
doc·​tor·​ate ˈdäk-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce doctorate (audio)
: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

More from Merriam-Webster on doctorate

Nglish: Translation of doctorate for Spanish Speakers

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