postdoc

1 of 2

noun

post·​doc ˈpōs(t)-ˌdäk How to pronounce postdoc (audio)
: one engaged in postdoctoral study or research

postdoc

2 of 2

adjective

: postdoctoral

Examples of postdoc 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.
Noun
The mystery of how this parasite manages the asymmetric expression of its genetic manual has been a cold case in the back of my mind since my days as a postdoc. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Just over half of scientists in our survey reported that international students or postdocs have expressed concerns to them about deportation. — Eric Welch, The Conversation, 19 May 2026
Adjective
My postdoc prospects after finishing a doctorate in physics at Harvard were in Europe. — Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 In 2021, a postdoc and undergrad student in Colorado met up to check out some specimens in the collection from the Green River Formation. — Moiya McTier, Popular Science, 2 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for postdoc

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1964, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postdoc was in 1942

Rhymes for postdoc

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Browse Nearby Words

postdivorce
postdoc
postdoctoral
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on postdoc

Nglish: Translation of postdoc for Spanish Speakers

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