pediatrician

American  

[pee-dee-uh-trish-uhn, ped-ee-] / ˌpi di əˈtrɪʃ ən, ˌpɛd i- /

Also pediatrist

noun

1. a physician who specializes in pediatrics.

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pediatrician British  

/ ˌpiːdɪəˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. the US spelling of paediatrician

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Etymology

Origin of pediatrician

First recorded in 1900–05; pediatric ( def. ) + -ian

Explanation

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children. When a sick child goes to visit the pediatrician, often there are toys and other things to play with in the waiting room. The word pediatrician has only been in use since the turn of the 20th century. Some people also use the word pediatrist to mean the same thing — a doctor who specializes in treating children ranging from newborn babies to adolescents. Pediatricians study pediatrics, both of which stem from a form of the Greek pais "children." The remainder of the word comes from the Greek iatros "healer."

Example Sentences

Dr. Anna Morad, a pediatrician at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, said she had witnessed a gradual rise in families refusing vitamin K leading up to the hospitalizations.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Though kids might be getting basic vision screenings at school or from a pediatrician, some eye problems are still overlooked.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Jenni, a developmental pediatrician, explains that teenagers' natural sleep patterns prevent them from going to bed early enough to meet their sleep needs.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

As a social-media educator, author and pediatrician with 15 years of experience, I can tell you that today’s parents are more confused than ever.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

My pediatrician did the same thing with his fingers when he was sitting behind his desk getting ready to tell my mother something about my allergies or what booster shots I needed.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English