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
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.
The Nuton name plays on Isaac Newton, the alchemist, as well as the hunt for “a new ton” of copper, which had become elusive via deal or discovery, Burley said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025
In a post on social media, Dead Ringers star Jon Culshaw called Dare the "wisest comedy alchemist and the dearest, dearest friend".
From BBC • Mar. 4, 2025
"We're essentially transforming materials into something else, perhaps approaching the dream of the alchemist!."
From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2024
And in case you’re free next Saturday, July 29, you can still get tickets to see Jorge Drexler, the Latin Grammy-winning musical alchemist par excellence, at The Ford in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2023
I’m seeking a true alchemist who will help me to decipher the codes.”
From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
![]()
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.