dentist

noun

den·​tist ˈden-təst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: one who is skilled in and licensed to practice the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth

Examples of dentist in a Sentence

I saw her at the dentist last week. He goes to the dentist's for a check-up every six months.
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.
Micron rides high with record earnings Tuesday’s announcement follows an extended hot streak for the chipmaker, which was founded in a Boise dentist’s office in 1978. — Mark Dee october 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2026 Bíró had recruited his brother, a dentist and chemist, to create a quick-drying, viscous ink that wouldn’t get stuck. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The settlement does not include the estate’s claims against dentist Jason Mirabile, which remain pending. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 Early mineral loss can be reversed, but enamel that has broken down into a cavity is permanently damaged and needs to be restored by a dentist, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dentist

Word History

Etymology

French dentiste, from dent

First Known Use

circa 1746, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dentist was circa 1746

Phrases Containing dentist

Rhymes for dentist

See All Rhymes for dentist

Browse Nearby Words

Dentirostres
dentist
dentistry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dentist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dentist. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dentist

noun
den·​tist ˈdent-əst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: a professional person who is trained in the care, treatment, and repair of the teeth and the fitting of artificial teeth

Medical Definition

dentist

noun
den·​tist ˈdent-əst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: a licensed practitioner who is skilled in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on dentist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dentist

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