naturalist
Americannoun
-
a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist.
-
an adherent of naturalism in literature or art.
noun
-
a person who is expert or interested in botany or zoology, esp in the field
-
a person who advocates or practises naturalism, esp in art or literature
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of naturalist
Explanation
That neighborhood kid who is always collecting butterflies and leaves? He just might grow up to be a naturalist, or a scientist who specializes in studying nature. A biologist whose interest lies primarily in the study of plants or animals can be called a naturalist, although these days it's more likely she'll be called a natural historian, a botanist, or a zoologist. The noun naturalist comes from the Latin word natura, "course of things, natural character, the universe," or literally, "birth." Be careful not to confuse naturalist with naturist, which is another word for a person who prefers to be naked — a nudist.
Vocabulary lists containing naturalist
"The Origin of Species by Natural Selection" by Charles Darwin: Essential Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Most Beautiful Roof in the World
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
On the Origin of Species
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
As Sir David Attenborough marks his centenary, one achievement is often overlooked: how the world's famously soft-spoken naturalist helped create an industry employing thousands and earning millions, centred on Bristol.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
The naturalist was visiting the University of East Anglia in Norwich as part of the centenary celebrations for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
This ‘Nature’ presentation focuses on the naturalist Valmik Thapar and his decades of work documenting and protecting the majestic cats of Ranthambore National Park.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
The French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck had the wrong idea about the way evolution works.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
A good naturalist needed more than just a scientific mind—she needed artistic skill.
From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
