psychiatrist

noun

psy·​chi·​a·​trist sə-ˈkī-ə-trist How to pronounce psychiatrist (audio)
sī-
plural psychiatrists
: a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders : a specialist in psychiatry

Examples of psychiatrist 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.
This doesn’t mean your psychiatrist will start handing out arthritis meds soon. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 June 2026 Chen and Hu started the Alan Hu Foundation to honor their son who wanted to be a psychiatrist to help others like him. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Ishdeep Narang, a psychiatrist, said the telltale sign is a feeling of desperation rather than joyful anticipation. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Teams of doctors, psychiatrists, nurses and social workers carry out treatment plans that may involve medication, therapy and group social gatherings. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychiatrist

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychiatrist was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

psychiater
psychiatrist
psychiatry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Psychiatrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychiatrist. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

psychiatrist

noun
psy·​chi·​a·​trist
sə-ˈkī-ə-trəst, 
sī-
: a specialist in psychiatry

Medical Definition

psychiatrist

noun
psy·​chi·​a·​trist sə-ˈkī-ə-trəst How to pronounce psychiatrist (audio) sī- How to pronounce psychiatrist (audio)
: a physician specializing in psychiatry

More from Merriam-Webster on psychiatrist

Nglish: Translation of psychiatrist for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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