naturalist
Americannoun
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naturalists
plural
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a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist.
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an adherent of naturalism in literature or art.
noun
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a person who is expert or interested in botany or zoology, esp in the field
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a person who advocates or practises naturalism, esp in art or literature
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
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The Most Beautiful Roof in the World
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On the Origin of Species
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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:
Late in life, Darwin became infatuated with earthworms, a fitting preoccupation for an aging naturalist.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
California naturalist John Muir compared the two valleys’ beauties, but that was before Hetch Hetchy Valley was transformed by the O’Shaughnessy Dam into a massive reservoir.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
About 95% of the archipelago’s landmass is designated as official parkland where overnight stays are banned and where visitors must be accompanied by licensed naturalist guides.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
This is supported by Northumberland-based naturalist, Richard Cansdale, who said the species had been successfully reintroduced elsewhere in Europe including in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
The noted naturalist Sir David Attenborough considers her one of the most adventurous and distinctive artists of her time.
From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman
The good news, Mr. McCommons argues, is that we’ve been here before and—through unlikely coalitions of amateur naturalists, clubwomen and conservationists—recognized birds as a resource that needed protection.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026
These included mammals, reptiles, fish, jellyfish, and shrimp collected by Darwin and other naturalists during early scientific expeditions.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 5, 2026
Scientists and amateur naturalists have observed a remarkable range of species not usually widespread in UK waters, including octopus, bluefin tuna and mauve stinger jellyfish.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2025
Big Bear Lake’s famed bald eagle couple has flown the coop, and naturalists are pointing to the city’s July 4th fireworks celebration as the likely culprit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2025
Maria's beautiful, accessible art and text electrified her fellow naturalists.
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.
