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Synonyms

geologist

American  
[jee-ol-uh-jist] / dʒiˈɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

  • geologists
    plural
  1. a person who specializes in geologic research and study.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of geologist

First recorded in 1785–95; geolog(y) + -ist

Explanation

If you’re fascinated by rocks and spend hours digging for interesting samples in the backyard, you might be a budding geologist, a scientist who studies all things related to the Earth. A geologist is an expert in the field of geology, the study of what the Earth is made of and how it was formed. The woman on TV explaining the history of an active volcano that’s ready to erupt? She’s probably a geologist who specializes in volcanoes. Geologists can specialize in many different aspects of the field, ranging from earthquakes to soil erosion. What they all have in common is that they’re trying to figure out how the Earth works.

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Vocabulary lists containing geologist

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.

See Examples For:

"We're used to hearing the 'Big One' - Cascadia - being this catastrophic huge thing," said Chris Goldfinger, a marine geologist at Oregon State University and lead author of the study.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 24, 2026

Toss Master Kyle Mathews, co-organiser of the event, said an official tournament geologist had been appointed this year, leaving no stone unturned in keeping the 400 challengers in order.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

Rick Bass is a writer, a former wildlife biologist and geologist, an environmental activist, and program director for the Montana Project, which helps artists advocate for open space and conservation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

Mr. DeMis was senior vice president and chief geologist at Goldman Sachs from 2016-17 and runs Rochelle Court, LLC.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

“Seems the coal vein took a turn it shouldn’t have and now it’s going the wrong way. I think the geologist is about to get the boot.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Part of the problem, Nadrowski said, is that mining companies are run by geologists.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

But he had ordered the structure built on an unstable foundation, without consulting independent geologists or engineers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

It could be days or even weeks before the full picture of what happened and what we can learn from it is known - but for planetary geologists, this accidental collision is a scientific gift.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

Materials theoretical physicists, geologists, and materials engineers are working together to identify the most sustainable route from raw mineral deposits to finished products.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026

Tourists weren’t allowed in the airspace around the mountain, but Dorothy and Keith were both geologists; they knew the right people to talk to for permission.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

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