practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈti-sh(ə-)nər 

1

: one who practices

especially : one who practices a profession

2

Christian Science : an authorized healer

Synonyms

• exponent
• expounder
• guru
• high priest
• interpreter

Examples of practitioner in a Sentence

a French doctor who was once the most famous practitioner of natural childbirth

Recent Examples on the Web

The retreat pop-ups include a wellness workshop led by Highland Project mindfulness practitioners, as well as opportunities for attendees to foster true connections with one another. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025

Nurse practitioners took the top spot for a second consecutive year with a median salary of $126,260. —Sam Allard, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025

Shortly after midnight on a recent frigid evening, two of the form’s most accomplished practitioners, XSM and QZAR, met up on a shadowy street near SoHo, both dressed entirely in black. —Jake Offenhartz, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

Why the dearth of legal aid lawyers and solo practitioners? —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier practician, from Middle English (Scots) pratician, from Middle French practicien, from pratique practice

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing practitioner

• family practitioner
• general practitioner
• medical practitioner
• nurse practitioner

Kids Definition

practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tio·​ner

prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər

: a person who practices a profession and especially law or medicine

Medical Definition

practitioner

noun

prac·​ti·​tion·​er prak-ˈtish-(ə-)nər 

: one who practices a profession and especially medicine