practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈti-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce practitioner (audio)
Synonyms of practitionernext
1
: one who practices or is regularly engaged in a skillful activity
a yoga practitioner
practitioners of the art of glassblowing
especially : one who practices a profession
a health care practitioner
legal practitioners
2
Christian Science : an authorized healer

Synonyms of practitioner

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Examples of practitioner in a Sentence

a French doctor who was once the most famous practitioner of natural childbirth
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 fluid accumulated from infection, a practitioner might use a small sharp spear nested in a metal tube, called a trocar and cannula. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 From specialists and practitioners to world class chefs, the resort tries to provide the best service for its guests across each level of the accommodation and wellness retreat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026 In Cisco, the justices didn’t just say that Falun Gong practitioners couldn’t sue a corporation for enabling their torture. — Leah Litman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 For practitioners like Balsom, the solution has to balance physiology with sleep, logistics, training and coach buy-in. — Alan McCall, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for practitioner

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier practician, from Middle English (Scots) pratician, from Middle French practicien, from pratique practice

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practitioner was in 1535

Phrases Containing practitioner

Rhymes for practitioner

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Browse Nearby Words

practicum
practitioner
prad
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

practitioner

noun
prac·​ti·​tio·​ner
prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər
: a person who practices a profession and especially law or medicine

Medical Definition

practitioner

noun
prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər How to pronounce practitioner (audio)
: one who practices a profession and especially medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on practitioner

Nglish: Translation of practitioner for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practitioner

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