: the highest degree awarded in many academic disciplines
She graduated with a doctor of philosophy in education/mathematics/history.
Most have advanced degrees, including a few doctors of philosophy … Dave Hurst
also: a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy
Baranowski is director of the Homestead Agricultural and Research Education Center, a 160-acre farming laboratory of scientists in blue jeans, doctors of philosophy with dusty boots. Ena Naunton