noun

philatelist

fih-LAT-uh-list

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Philatelist (noun) means a person who collects and studies postage stamps. Example: “The philatelist proudly showed off her album of rare stamps.”

noun

A person who collects and studies postage stamps.

"The philatelist proudly showed off her album of rare stamps."

"He became a philatelist as a child and still collects today."

"Philatelists often trade stamps at dedicated fairs and clubs."

How to use philatelist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA philatelist is someone who collects and studies postage stamps.

When to use it

Philatelist is a formal word; stamp collector is the everyday equivalent.

Memory tip

Do not confuse philatelist with philanthropist, they sound alike but mean very different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

philanthropist →

Common pairings

keen philatelist amateur philatelist a philatelist's collection serious philatelist

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “philatelist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ proudly showed off her album of rare stamps.

Etymology

Philatelist is built from philately, the study and collecting of postage stamps, with the agent-noun suffix -ist added to name a person who practises it.

Origin: English

Rhymes for philatelist

novelist whitelist evangelist

See all rhymes for philatelist →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a philatelist and a stamp collector?

They mean the same thing, a philatelist is simply the more formal term for a stamp collector.

What do philatelists actually collect?

Philatelists collect and study postage stamps, often looking closely at their history, printing and rarity.

Is philately just collecting stamps?

Philately covers both collecting and the wider study of stamps, so a philatelist studies them as well as collects them.

What is the meaning of philatelist?

"philatelist" (noun) means a person who collects and studies postage stamps.