Search Dictionary
Definition of paleontologist

paleontologist

/ˌpeɪ.li.ənˈtɑː.lə.dʒɪst/
(UK: palaeontologist)
pa · le · on · tol · o · gist
Adverb:paleontologically
•
Plural:paleontologists
•
Adjective:paleontological
JUMP TO:

paleontologist Lexical Profile

paleontologist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A scientist who specializes in paleontology, studying the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

Example

"The paleontologist carefully brushed sediment away from the fossilized dinosaur jawbone."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paleontologist

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'archaeologist'; a paleontologist studies fossilized biological remains (such as dinosaurs, plants, and prehistoric organisms), whereas an archaeologist studies human history and prehistory through cultural artifacts and structures.

• Rhymes for paleontologist

• Nearby Words

paleo
paleoclimatic
paleogeographer
paleontologist
paleontology
palermo
palestine

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'paleontology' + '-ist', ultimately derived from Ancient Greek palaios ('old, ancient'), on ('being, creature'), and -logia ('study').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paleontologist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paleontologist
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.