philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

a

: a person whose philosophical perspective makes meeting trouble with equanimity easier

b

: an expounder of a theory in a particular area of experience

c

: one who philosophizes

Examples of philosopher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The path connects several temples including Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and is known as the favorite place of famous philosopher Nishida Kitaro, hence the name. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

The path earned its name as the favorite walking route of famous philosopher Nishida Kitaro. —Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Ferguson’s Law is named after the famed 18th-century philosopher rather than the paper’s author, who even centuries ago warned of the link between a nation’s debt and its decline. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

It is known as the favorite place of famous philosopher Nishida Kitaro, hence the name. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English philosophe, philosophre, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophus, from Greek philosophos, from phil- + sophia wisdom, from sophos wise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosopher

• philosopher's stone

Kids Definition

philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

: a person who is calm and patient when faced with trouble