optometrist

noun

op·​tom·​e·​trist äp-ˈtä-mə-trist How to pronounce optometrist (audio)
Synonyms of optometristnext
: a specialist licensed to practice optometry compare ophthalmologist, optician

Examples of optometrist 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.
When an optometrist shines a bright light into your eyes, a vast, branching tree sprouts in your field of vision. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2026 The optometrist is another story. — Megan Greenwell, Bloomberg, 9 June 2026 In Modoc County, which borders Oregon and Nevada, one optometrist serves a 90-mile radius. — Kristen Hwang, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026 In public statements concerning the Kentucky licensees, the national board said the waivers jeopardized the health and vision of patients and urged the Kentucky board to hold all optometrists to the same competency standards. — Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for optometrist

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optometrist was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

optometric
optometrist
optometry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

optometrist

noun
op·​tom·​e·​trist äp-ˈtäm-ə-trəst How to pronounce optometrist (audio)
: a specialist licensed in optometry compare ophthalmologist, optician sense 2

Medical Definition

optometrist

noun
op·​tom·​e·​trist äp-ˈtäm-ə-trəst How to pronounce optometrist (audio)
: a specialist licensed to practice optometry compare ophthalmologist, optician sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on optometrist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for optometrist

Nglish: Translation of optometrist for Spanish Speakers

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