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

But Dr. Tom Patterson, a pediatrician who treats newborns at some St. Luke’s hospitals and is among the most vocal in warning about the climbing refusal rates, suspects there may be more.

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

In this case, the counterfeit cops instructed Dr. Indra Taneja, a retired pediatrician, to keep her phone and laptop cameras on nearly all the time, so they could monitor her every move.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 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

My mom told us that night that she couldn’t believe what the pediatrician told Jeffrey to do next: “Please walk over to the desk there and get me a tissue.”

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick