: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

Examples of doctorate 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.
The former actor graduated from Northeastern University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in English, then earned his juris doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law in 2019. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 In 2013, he was awarded the National Order of Quebec and an honorary doctorate from the Université du Québec à Montréal. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Gary’s troubles didn’t start with the storms and run much deeper than the outages, said Erin Carreon, who is pursuing a doctorate in social work at the University of Chicago. ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Langer developed his love for science while studying chemical engineering at Cornell University, later obtaining his doctorate at MIT in 1974. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doctorate

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctorate was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doctorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctorate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

doctorate

noun
: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster