doctorate

American  

[dok-ter-it] / ˈdɒk tər ɪt /

noun

1. any of several academic degrees of the highest rank, as the Ph.D. or Ed.D., awarded by universities and some colleges for completing advanced work in graduate school or a professional school.

2. an honorary degree conferring the title of doctor upon the recipient, as with the LL.D. degree.

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doctorate British  

/ ˈdɒktərɪt, -trɪt /

noun

1. Also called: doctor's degree.  the highest academic degree in any field of knowledge

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Other Word Forms

• predoctorate noun

Etymology

Origin of doctorate

First recorded in 1670–80; from Medieval Latin doctōrātus; see doctor, -ate ³

Explanation

A doctorate is an advanced university degree. Another name for a doctorate is a PhD. If you stick in school long enough, you just might end up with a doctorate (and a whole lot of debt). Many years of specialized study can result in a doctorate, which qualifies the graduate to teach at a college or university. To be awarded a doctorate, a student has to complete a dissertation or thesis, a huge research project that focuses on her area of study. Someone who has a doctorate is known as a "Doctor of Philosophy," and the word itself comes from the Medieval Latin root doctoratus, or "made a doctor."

Example Sentences

It’s a job that requires a doctorate, a love of Gouda and the diplomacy of a hostage negotiator.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

While working on her doctorate at the University of Washington in Seattle, Mastick took an unconventional approach.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

An honorary doctorate is the highest honour UU can bestow and is awarded to inspirational people who have made an outstanding impact in their field.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Araghchi, who holds a doctorate in political thought from the University of Kent in England, has vigorously defended Iran's position in TV interviews including with American media.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

At Boston University around the same time, C. Eric Lincoln, a Negro scholar then working for his doctorate, had selected for his thesis subject the Nation of Islam.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey