Philatelist/fɪˈlætəlɪst/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Hobbyist Nuance Used to indicate someone has an in-depth hobby, not casual interest. He turned into a philatelist during retirement. Pro Tip 2/3Academic Study Can imply academic or historical interest in stamps, not just collecting. She's a philatelist who's researching the history of postal stamps. Pro Tip 3/3Specialized Vocabulary It's a specialized term; everyday conversations use 'stamp collector'. I met a philatelist at the exhibition, not just any stamp collector.