expert

1 of 3

noun

ex·​pert ˈek-ˌspərt How to pronounce expert (audio)
Synonyms of expertnext
: one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject

expert

2 of 3

adjective

ex·​pert ˈek-ˌspərt How to pronounce expert (audio) ik-ˈspərt How to pronounce expert (audio)
1
: having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience
2
obsolete : experienced
expertly adverb
expertness noun

expert

3 of 3

verb

ex·​pert ˈek-ˌspərt How to pronounce expert (audio)
experted; experting; experts

intransitive verb

: to serve as an expert

Synonyms

Noun

Adjective

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for expert

proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession.

proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

Examples of expert in a Sentence

Noun She was an acknowledged expert on child development. an expert at planning dinner parties Adjective We received some expert advice. The company has become expert at adapting its products for new clients.
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.
Noun
Follow-Up Breast Cancer Imaging Costs Deter People From Getting Care, Study Finds Addressing Disparities and Reducing Breast Cancer Mortality To ultimately close these gaps in breast cancer mortality, experts say there are a number of systemic changes that need to happen. —Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 30 Nov. 2024 What experts are finding is that the cost of a particular number of tokens is dropping at breakneck speed, at least partly because of big new models in LLM engineering. —John Werner, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Explaining the realities of decarbonizing to less expert audiences with strongly held views takes determination, patience and leadership. —Dean Donovan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert at Hippo Insurance. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Skill sets ranged from intermediate to expert—a critical mix to assess which boards are best for each specific skill level. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 27 Sep. 2024 Rent a cabin for the weekend or try the off-road mountain bike trails, graded from beginner to expert. —Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expert 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, derivative of expert expert entry 2

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin expertus "tested, shown to be true," from past participle of experīrī "to put to the test, attempt, have experience of, undergo" — more at experience entry 1

Verb

derivative of expert entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expert was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing expert

Dictionary Entries Near expert

experiment station

expert

expertise

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expert. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

expert

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​pert ˈek-ˌspərt How to pronounce expert (audio) ik-ˈspərt How to pronounce expert (audio)
: showing special skill or knowledge gained from training or experience
expert advice
expertly adverb
expertness noun

expert

2 of 2 noun
ex·​pert ˈek-ˌspərt How to pronounce expert (audio)
: a person with special skill in or knowledge of a subject

Legal Definition

expert

noun
ex·​pert
: a person with special or superior skill or knowledge in a particular area see also expert witness at witness

More from Merriam-Webster on expert

Nglish: Translation of expert for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of expert for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 3 Do you have a (flare/flair) for choosing the righ...