preceptor

noun

pre·​cep·​tor pri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce preceptor (audio) ˈprē-ˌsep- How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
Synonyms of preceptornext
1
a
: teacher, tutor
b
: the headmaster or principal of a school
2
: the head of a preceptory of Knights Templars
preceptorship
pri-ˈsep-tər-ˌship How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
ˈprē-ˌsep-
noun

Synonyms of preceptor

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Examples of preceptor in a Sentence

a preceptor at a small English boarding school
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.
Yet finding qualified preceptors to supervise clinical hours is a giant obstacle, as Raithel Vargas learned. — Colleen Connolly, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026 But outside of academic medical centers – in outpatient settings – preceptors must be recruited. — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 Maryland has too few nursing school educators, insufficient clinical placement sites, inadequate preceptor compensation, and no coherent statewide strategy to retain nurses in the public sector and underserved communities. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 Nataly Degante and Mayra Vargas, who graduated in 2023, have begun working as preceptors — practitioners who supervise interns or students during clinical trainings — at organizations in Los Angeles. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preceptor

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of preceptor was in the 15th century

Rhymes for preceptor

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Browse Nearby Words

precept of clare constat
preceptor
preceptorial
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Cite this Entry

“Preceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preceptor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition

preceptor

noun
pre·​cep·​tor pri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce preceptor (audio) ˈprē-ˌ How to pronounce preceptor (audio)
: a practicing physician who gives personal instruction, training, and supervision to a medical student or young physician
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