noun
PhD
pee-aych-DEE
PhD (noun) means the highest standard university degree, awarded for original research written up as a thesis and defended before examiners. Example: “She is doing a PhD in molecular biology.”
noun
1
The highest standard university degree, awarded for original research written up as a thesis and defended before examiners.
"She is doing a PhD in molecular biology."
"He finished his PhD in four years."
2
A person who holds that degree.
"The panel was made up of three PhDs and a practising engineer."
How to use PhD
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top university degree, earned by doing your own research.
When to use it
Neutral. Write 'Jane Ellis PhD' or 'Dr Jane Ellis', never both together.
Memory tip
Use 'a PhD', not 'an PhD' — the spoken form begins with the consonant sound 'pee'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
do a PhD
PhD student
PhD thesis
PhD candidate
PhD in physics
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She is doing a _____ in molecular biology.
Etymology
An abbreviation of Latin philosophiae doctor, 'teacher of philosophy', where philosophy carries its old broad sense of learning in general.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate?
Every PhD is a doctorate, but not every doctorate is a PhD. A PhD is the research doctorate; professional doctorates such as MD, EdD, JD or DBA are awarded on different grounds and often focus on practice rather than original research.
Is it written PhD, Ph.D. or PHD?
PhD is standard in British usage and Ph.D. in traditional American usage. PHD in full capitals is incorrect, because the h is not the initial of a separate word.
Can someone with a PhD be called Doctor?
Yes. The title Dr belongs to anyone holding a doctorate, and academic use of it predates its use by physicians.
What is the meaning of PhD?
"PhD" (noun) means the highest standard university degree, awarded for original research written up as a thesis and defended before examiners.
