English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

doctorate

DOK-tuh-riht

Doctorate (noun) means the highest academic degree awarded by a university. Example: “He completed his doctorate in physics last spring.”

noun
1
The highest academic degree awarded by a university.
"He completed his doctorate in physics last spring."

How to Use Doctorate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe top-level university degree, such as a PhD.

Common pairings
earn a doctorate hold a doctorate doctorate in law

Word Forms

doctorated past tense, doctorates plural, doctorates singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “doctorate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He completed his _____ in physics last spring.

Etymology

From Latin doctoratus.

Origin: Latin

doctor's degree

Rhymes for doctorate

See all rhymes for doctorate →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “doctorate” mean?

The word “doctorate” means the highest academic degree awarded by a university. In plain terms, the top-level university degree, such as a PhD.

How do you pronounce “doctorate”?

“Doctorate” is pronounced DOK-tuh-riht (/ˈdɑk.tɚ.ət/ in IPA).

How do you use “doctorate” in a sentence?

Here is “doctorate” used in a sentence: “He completed his doctorate in physics last spring.”

What part of speech is “doctorate”?

“Doctorate” is a noun.

Where does the word “doctorate” come from?

The word “doctorate” comes from Latin.

Is “doctorate” a common word?

“Doctorate” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial