economist

noun

econ·​o·​mist i-ˈkä-nə-mist How to pronounce economist (audio)
1
archaic : one who practices economy
2
: a specialist in economics

Examples of economist in a Sentence

Economists are predicting rapid inflation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Forward guidance All of that is happening as markets, investors and economists are trying to digest a dramatic shift in the Fed’s communication strategy. — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026 Turning to Europe, several economists warned about the risk factors surrounding the AI surge at the European Central Bank’s Forum on Central Banking in Portugal this week. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Even so, exemptions limit this round of tariffs’ impact to about 5% of the $382 billion in Canadian imports to the United States recorded in 2025, meaning the hit to most Americans' budgets is also likely to be limited, economists said. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Both economists agree that deficits of this magnitude no longer automatically trigger the inflation spiral that economic orthodoxy once predicted—which is precisely why Washington has felt no urgency to act. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for economist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French oeconome, iconome "manager of a household" (borrowed from Medieval Latin oeconomus, going back to Late Latin, "administrator, manager," borrowed from Greek oikonómos "manager of a household, steward") + -ist entry 1 — more at economy entry 1

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of economist was in 1586

Rhymes for economist

See All Rhymes for economist

Browse Nearby Words

economism
economist
Economite
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Cite this Entry

“Economist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economist. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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