What does paediatrician mean?
A paediatrician is a physician who specializes in caring for children and adolescents. The word refers both to the medical specialty and to a doctor who practises within it, much as cardiologist refers to a doctor specializing in the heart. Paediatricians diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, monitor growth and development, and often provide preventive care, including vaccinations and developmental guidance. The term is formal and is used in medical, educational, and public-health contexts, although children's doctor is a common everyday alternative. British English generally uses paediatrician, while American English normally uses pediatrician; both forms are understood internationally. The word is especially useful because it distinguishes medical care focused specifically on younger patients from general practice or care directed at adults. Its name comes from Greek roots meaning “child” and “physician,” reflecting the long-standing practice of treating medicine for children as a distinct area of clinical knowledge.
nounA medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses and conditions affecting children and adolescents. The US spelling is pediatrician.
- A doctor who specializes in the medical care of children and adolescents.
"She took her daughter to see a paediatrician after the persistent rash spread across her arms."
"The paediatrician explained that the fever was common and recommended plenty of fluids and rest."
"Her training as a paediatrician gave her particular expertise in developmental and childhood illnesses."
The regular plural is paediatricians; the US spelling is pediatricians.
"The hospital employs several paediatricians who specialize in childhood asthma."
The name literally joins the Greek words for “child” and “physician”: a paediatrician is, quite simply, a child healer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paediatrician come from?
Paediatrician belongs to a family of words built from the Greek paid, or pais, meaning “child,” and iatros, meaning “physician.” The form combines the British adjective paediatric with the suffix -ician, while the American spelling uses pediatric. Related terms include paediatric, paediatrics, pediatric, and pediatrics.
Related word forms
How paediatrician is actually used
Paediatrician is a formal, professional term. It is the usual British spelling and is also understood in the United States, where pediatrician is much more common. In informal speech, children's doctor is often used.
Easily confused with paediatrician
It is the American spelling of the same word; paediatrician is standard in British English, while pediatrician is standard in American English.