# specialist

/ˈspɛʃəɫəst/ (US) · /spˈɛʃəlˌɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/specialist
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. an expert

noun · CEFR B2

someone who has a lot of knowledge or skill in a specific subject.

For teachers: an individual who is highly skilled or knowledgeable in a particular field of study or research.

- The company hired a marketing specialist to help improve their online sales.
- The university invited a specialist in medieval history to lead the seminar on early European trade routes.

### 2. medical expert

noun · CEFR B2

a doctor who focuses on one specific part of the body or a certain type of illness.

For teachers: a physician whose practice is limited to a particular branch of medicine or surgery.

- My family doctor sent me to see a heart specialist for more tests.
- After the initial diagnosis, the patient was referred to a specialist in oncology for a more detailed treatment plan.

### 3. military rank

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

a specific rank in the U.S. Army for a soldier with technical skills.

For teachers: an enlisted rank in the United States Army, typically corresponding to the pay grade of E-4, above private first class.

- He was promoted to specialist after completing his technical training.
- The specialist was responsible for maintaining the unit's advanced communication equipment during the field exercise.

### 4. highly specific

adjective · CEFR B2 · British English

relating to a very specific subject that requires deep knowledge.

For teachers: involving or requiring detailed, expert knowledge of a restricted or specific topic.

- The library has a large collection of specialist books on local plants.
- The journal publishes specialist articles that are often too technical for the average reader to understand.

Usage: Usually placed before a noun.

## Examples

- The doctor sent me to see a heart specialist.
- After the general inspection, the company hired a specialist to fix the complex electrical system.
- While a general practitioner manages overall health, a specialist possesses the deep technical expertise required to treat rare or particularly aggressive conditions within a specific organ system.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.