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

The behavior was reported this week in the journal Ecology and Evolution and was observed by entomologist Mark Moffett, a research associate at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 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

Dr Hayley Jones, principal entomologist at the Royal Horticultural Society, says that their numbers are now beginning to drop off as their natural predator - the ladybird - is taking over and playing catch up.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 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

“The regulatory entomologists ... function as prosecutor, judge and jury, tax assessor and collector and sheriff to enforce their own orders,” said Connecticut entomologist Neely Turner.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson