alchemist
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of alchemist
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English alkamist, probably from Medieval Latin alchymista, equivalent to alchym(ia) alchemy + -ista -ist
Explanation
If you're an alchemist, then you try to change common metals into gold. People have been trying to figure that out for a long time, so you might need to have another job to finance your career as an alchemist. The word alchemist comes from alchemy, which has origins in the Greek word khemeia, meaning "art of transmuting metals." Active since ancient times, alchemists could be considered very early chemists because of their work trying to transform base metals into gold. Alchemists could also be considered wizards because they attempted to make special elixirs that would give everlasting life and cure sickness.
Vocabulary lists containing alchemist
The Alchemist
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The Cardboard Kingdom
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"The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair (excerpt)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tyler the Creator posted a black and white photograph of D'Angelo on X, while the Alchemist wrote simply "Man. Rest in peace D'Angelo."
From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025
After celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his debut solo album, ‘Doris,’ Earl Sweatshirt has finally released his long-in-the-works LP with old friend the Alchemist.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2025
Chefs at Alchemist, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Denmark, have created a dessert in which its fungal enzymes enhance the sweetness and flavor of a sugarless rice custard.
From Salon • Nov. 12, 2024
Munk’s Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, the Danish capital, has held two Michelin stars since 2020, and last year was ranked fifth best restaurant in the world.
From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024
Six of these letters are reprinted in Prof. Schelling's edition of Eastward Hoe and The Alchemist, 1903.
From Bussy D'Ambois and The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois by Boas, Frederick S.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
