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. )

Example Sentences

"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

“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

C. paraensis is “a neglected vector for a neglected disease,” says Joaquim Pinto Nunes Neto, an entomologist at Evandro Chagas.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 4, 2024

Academically, the fact that insects could be sterilized by exposure to X-ray had been known since 1916, when an entomologist by the name of G. A. Runner reported such sterilization of cigarette beetles.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson