Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

Doctor of Philosophy

American  
[dok-ter uhv fi-los-uh-fee] / ˈdɒk tər əv fɪˈlɒs ə fi /

noun

  1. the highest degree, a doctorate, awarded for graduate study in an academic field.

  2. a person who has been awarded this degree.


Doctor of Philosophy British  

noun

  1. Abbreviation: PhD.   DPhil.  a doctorate awarded for original research in any subject except law, medicine, or theology

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Doctor of Philosophy

First recorded in 1800–05

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.

But I do create knowledge and guide people to achieve the most advanced degree in the world, the Doctor of Philosophy.

From Scientific American

The bride, 27, is a full-time student at the University of California, Los Angeles and the California Institute of Technology, where she is studying to receive a Doctor of Philosophy and a medical degree.

From New York Times

As an example Bernstein cites He felt it offered the best opportunity to do fundamental research in chemistry, which was what he had taken his Doctor of Philosophy degree in.

From Literature

“Just what is a Doctor of Philosophy?” his mother wanted to know.

From New York Times

At its October meeting, the UNC Board of Governors approved programs leading to Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.

From Washington Times