Ph.D.

[ pee-eych-dee ]

abbreviation for

, plural Ph.D.s

1. the highest degree, a doctorate, awarded by a graduate school in a field of academic study, usually to a person who has completed at least three years of graduate study and a dissertation approved by a committee of professors.
2. a person who has been awarded this degree.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ph.D.¹

First recorded in 1870–75; from Latin Philosophiae Doctor

Example Sentences

Hashini Perera, Ph.D. student and lead author of the study from the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey, said:

From Science Daily

He did have academic bona fides: a Ph.D. from Yale and experience in university administration, running the tiny Midland University in Nebraska.

From New York Times

"People are increasingly enjoying recreating in nature, which is fantastic," said lead author Ellie Bolas, a Ph.D. candidate in the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology.

From Science Daily

Ruth Bettelheim, Ph.D., is a life coach and a child, marriage, and family psychotherapist whose writing has appeared in The New York Times, Psychology Today, The Huffington Post, USA Today, and other publications.

From Salon

Jackson Katz, Ph.D., is an educator, author, and scholar-activist who has long been a major figure in the growing global movement of men working to promote gender equity and prevent gender-based violence.

From Salon

Related Words

• alum
• alumna
• alumnus
• doctor
• grad
• recipient