ophthalmologist

noun

oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gist ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmä-lə-jist How to pronounce ophthalmologist (audio)
ˌäp-, 
-ˌthal- How to pronounce ophthalmologist (audio)
Synonyms of ophthalmologistnext
: a physician who specializes in ophthalmology compare optician, optometrist

Examples of ophthalmologist in a Sentence

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.
An ophthalmologist injected an air bubble into my eye and zapped the hole shut with a laser. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Others are referred by their primary care doctors or an ophthalmologist. — Dawn Fallik, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 Others, such as Oliver Schein, an ophthalmologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, point out the strong financial incentive to use the laser, as the equipment can cost a practice up to $500,000. — Phil Galewitz, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Miller-Meeks, an ophthalmologist by training who first won office in 2019, secured her reelection in 2024 by fewer than 800 votes. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ophthalmologist

Word History

Etymology

ophthalmology + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ophthalmologist was in 1834

Rhymes for ophthalmologist

See All Rhymes for ophthalmologist

Browse Nearby Words

ophthalmologic
ophthalmologist
ophthalmology
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ophthalmologist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ophthalmologist. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ophthalmologist

noun
oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gist ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jəst How to pronounce ophthalmologist (audio)
ˌäp-, 
-ˌthal-
: a physician specializing in ophthalmology compare optician sense 2, optometrist

Medical Definition

ophthalmologist

noun
oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gist ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jəst How to pronounce ophthalmologist (audio) ˌäp- How to pronounce ophthalmologist (audio)
-ˌthal-
: a physician who specializes in ophthalmology compare optician sense 2, optometrist

More from Merriam-Webster on ophthalmologist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ophthalmologist

Nglish: Translation of ophthalmologist for Spanish Speakers

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