doctor of philosophy

noun

plural doctors of philosophy

: the highest degree awarded in many academic disciplines

She graduated with a doctor of philosophy in education/mathematics/history.

Most have advanced degrees, including a few doctors of philosophy …

—Dave Hurst

also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy

Baranowski is director of the Homestead Agricultural and Research Education Center, a 160-acre farming laboratory of scientists in blue jeans, doctors of philosophy with dusty boots.

—Ena Naunton

—abbreviation PhD, Ph.D.

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above