economist
Americannoun
-
a specialist in economics
-
archaic a person who advocates or practises frugality
Etymology
Origin of economist
Explanation
The word economist is close to economics, which is the science of money. An economist is a person who practices that science. If your economics course isn't being taught by an economist, the chances are you should switch sections. In the 16th century, the word was used to describe the person who managed the household, which certainly explains courses in "home economics." But the current meaning of economist — a person who studies the flow of cash and credit between people, institutions, banks, etc. — first developed during the 18th century. Perhaps that's no surprise either, as that's when the global economy truly became, well, global.
Vocabulary lists containing economist
Richard Nixon's "Checkers" Speech (1952)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Executive Branch: The Presidency and Vice Presidency
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 workers shouldn’t lose sight of the benefits of hybrid work arrangements, said Stanford University economist Nick Bloom, who has studied the rise of working from home.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
“A jaded cynicism has come over investors,” said Paul Donovan, chief global economist at UBS Wealth Management.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
“Driven by sharply higher semiconductor prices, customs-cleared exports are expected to maintain double-digit growth through at least the end of this year,” said Korea Investment & Securities economist Jiuk Choi.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Yale economist Robert Shiller is widely credited with developing much of the theory behind perpetual futures contracts back in the 1990s.
From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026
Someone—an economist or a politician or a parent—has to invent them.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
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.
