French word

docteur

Pronunciation

IPA/dɔktœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine noundoctor

Example

J'ai rendez-vous avec le docteur demain.

I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow.

Illustration for docteur (doctor)

More examples

Il faut que j'appelle le docteur pour un conseil.

I have to call the doctor for advice.

Core concept

A recognized expert standing ready to advise, especially in a medical consultation.

Common phrases

  • prendre rendez-vous chez le docteur

    make an appointment with the doctor

  • appeler le docteur

    call the doctor

Similar words

médecin: A doctor who diagnoses and treats illness and injury.
généraliste: A family doctor providing broad initial care and ongoing health management.
dentiste: A dental professional who examines, treats, and prevents problems with the teeth.
pédiatre: A doctor who mainly treats children and monitors their development.

Definition in French

Personne exerçant la médecine; appellation employée pour s'adresser à un médecin.

Word origin

French docteur comes through Old French from Latin doctor, meaning a teacher, and later names both a holder of an academic doctorate and a physician.

Usage tips

  • French uses docteur for a physician and for an academic title, so context determines whether it corresponds to English doctor in medicine or academia.

Related words

  • docteurefemale doctornoun

Word lists with this word