pediatrician

American  

[pee-dee-uh-trish-uhn, ped-ee-] / ˌpi di əˈtrɪʃ ən, ˌpɛd i- /

Also pediatrist

noun

1. a physician who specializes in pediatrics.

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pediatrician British  

/ ˌpiːdɪəˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. the US spelling of paediatrician

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Etymology

Origin of pediatrician

First recorded in 1900–05; pediatric ( def. ) + -ian

Explanation

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children. When a sick child goes to visit the pediatrician, often there are toys and other things to play with in the waiting room. The word pediatrician has only been in use since the turn of the 20th century. Some people also use the word pediatrist to mean the same thing — a doctor who specializes in treating children ranging from newborn babies to adolescents. Pediatricians study pediatrics, both of which stem from a form of the Greek pais "children." The remainder of the word comes from the Greek iatros "healer."

Example Sentences

Pediatrician Payal Adhikari realized her lack of knowledge about family finances, leading her and her husband to organize their accounts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Responsible for the study are Anton Holmgren, Pediatrician at Halland Hospital, who conducts research in pediatrics at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Anna Fäldt, Researcher at Uppsala University within pediatric health and parenthood.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2024

Pediatrician Dr. Seema Jilani’s work has taken her from Sudan to Afghanistan.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2024

Pediatrician Susan Beal cited a variation of “Meadow’s law” during a 2003 hearing on what evidence could be admitted in Folbigg’s trial.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 18, 2023

Pediatrician Nathalie Quion asked about parental consent when she visited a Southwest Key shelter for infants in McAllen, Texas, in April with members of the Washington chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2018