Definition

Noun: A person who is a member of a panel, especially one taking part in a public discussion, radio or television program, game, or as part of a judging committee.

Usage

The word "panelist" refers specifically to an individual participant within a group (a panel) assembled for a specific purpose. It emphasizes the person's role as a contributor to the panel's discussion, debate, or decision-making process.

Examples

• The panelist from the university offered a unique perspective on climate policy.
• Each panelist was given two minutes for an opening statement.
• She has been a frequent panelist on that popular news debate show.
• The question from the audience was directed to the third panelist.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contexts involving expertise, opinion, or judgment, such as academic conferences, talk shows, quiz shows, and competition juries.
• While typically used for live or recorded discussions, it can also apply to members of a standing review or advisory panel.

Variants and Related Words

• Panel (noun): The main group or committee itself.
• Panellist (noun): An alternative spelling, chiefly used in British English.

Synonyms

• Participant
• Contributor
• Discussant
• Member

Related Phrases

• Expert panelist: Specifies a panelist chosen for their specialized knowledge.
• Guest panelist: A panelist invited for a particular session or episode, not a regular member.

Noun

1. a member of a panel