postdoctoral

adjective

post·​doc·​tor·​al ˌpōs(t)-ˈdäk-t(ə-)rəl How to pronounce postdoctoral (audio)
ˈpōst-ˌdäk-
variants or less commonly postdoctorate
ˌpōs(t)-ˈdäk-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce postdoctoral (audio)
ˈpōst-ˌdäk-
: being beyond the doctoral level:
a
: of or relating to advanced academic or professional work beyond a doctor's degree
a postdoctoral fellowship
b
: engaged in such work
postdoctoral scholars

Examples of postdoctoral 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.
Early-career researchers, including doctoral students and postdoctoral scientists, will be able to spend up to a year at partner institutions in Germany or New York. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026 Kaj Kraus, a postdoctoral researcher at Boston University’s Deaf Center, has noticed this breakdown in translation. — New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The program, part of the global L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science US initiative, recognizes five women postdoctoral scientists whose research ranges from bioengineering to astronomy. — Claire White, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 Earric Lee, a postdoctoral researcher at the Montreal Heart Institute who's spearheading the initiative, says scientists first need to agree on standards. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for postdoctoral

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postdoctoral was in 1929

Rhymes for postdoctoral

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Browse Nearby Words

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postdoctoral
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Cite this Entry

“Postdoctoral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postdoctoral. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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