naturalist

[ nach-er-uh-list, nach-ruh- ]

noun

1. a person who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially a zoologist or botanist.
2. an adherent of naturalism in literature or art.

naturalist

/ ˈnætʃrəlɪst; -tʃərəl- /

noun

1. a person who is expert or interested in botany or zoology, esp in the field
2. a person who advocates or practises naturalism, esp in art or literature

naturalist

/ năch′ər-ə-lĭst /

1. A person who specializes in natural history, especially in the study of plants and animals in their natural surroundings.

Other Words From

• anti·natu·ral·ist noun adjective
• non·natu·ral·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of naturalist¹

First recorded in 1580–90; natural + -ist

Example Sentences

The envisioned Range of Light monument — a nod to naturalist John Muir’s moniker for the Sierra Nevada — was endorsed by more than 50 state legislators in an August letter.

From Los Angeles Times

In the mid-1800s, famed naturalist Charles Darwin wrote that "the lower animals, like man, manifestly feel pleasure and pain, happiness and misery."

From Science Daily

California plays an outsize role in the Sierra Club, which was founded 132 years ago by naturalist John Muir and is headquartered in Oakland.

From Los Angeles Times

A former BBC wildlife TV presenter, author and naturalist has died aged 95.

From BBC

"Desmond was the king of natural history broadcasting and an accomplished naturalist," said Sir David.

From BBC

Related Words

• biologist
• botanist
• conservationist
• ecologist
• environmentalist
• zoologist