entomologist

American  

[en-tuh-mol-uh-jist] / ˌɛn təˈmɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

1. a scientist who specializes in insects.

   Entomologists believe a predatory wasp may be more effective at stemming the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer beetle than standard traps.

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Etymology

Origin of entomologist

First recorded in 1770–80; entomolog(y) ( def. ) + -ist ( def. )

Explanation

If you are crazy about spiders, ants, beetles, and other creepy-crawlies, you might aspire to be an entomologist someday — a scientist who studies insects. An entomologist is a specific type of zoologist, or animal scientist. While other zoologists might focus on mammals or reptiles, entomologists are fascinated with the most prolific organisms on earth — insects. Some entomologists classify and study species, while others are certified to be pest control experts, helping people battle bugs like cockroaches and termites in their homes. The Greek word entomon, or "insect," is at the root of entomologist.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

entomologist

At the time, officials were deploying around 500 to 700 million sterile flies across Central America per week, according to Sonja Swiger, an entomologist for Texas A&M University.

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026

Swedish entomologist Lars Brundin first proposed in 1966 that the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana triggered this evolutionary separation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2025

When Sagne, who was an entomologist before retiring to the woods, compares the group to an ant colony, everyone appears to accept at face value the superficial aptitude of her analogy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 20, 2025

“This is new,” said Rya Seltzer, an entomologist at Tel Aviv University and an author of the study.

From New York Times ● Dec. 6, 2024

California is virtually alone among the states in having a formal program in biological control, and many states have not even one entomologist who devotes full time to it.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson