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.

---

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

Faraji is an entomologist who sometimes calls the insects he studies “skeeters” and who sent me a photo of his desk piled high with mosquito-related history books when I asked him for reading recommendations.

From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026

Schmidt, an entomologist who specialized in insect defenses, created the sting-pain index which ranks stings from a harmless 0 to an excruciating 4.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

"Even I, as an entomologist, have been surprised at the extent of the apparent trade," Dino Martins, a biologist based in Kenya, where there are around 600 kinds of ants, told the BBC.

From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2026

The author was born into a traditional nuclear family: father Carl was an entomologist and mother Margaret a dietitian/nutritionist; her brother Harold preceded her, and sister Ruth arrived a dozen years later.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2025

The entomologist, whose specialty is insects, is not so qualified by training, and is not psychologically disposed to look for undesirable side effects of his control program.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson