purist

noun

pur·​ist ˈpyu̇r-ist 

: a person who adheres strictly and often excessively to a tradition

especially : one preoccupied with the purity of a language and its protection from the use of foreign or altered forms

puristic

pyu̇-ˈri-stik 

adjective

puristically

pyu̇-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of purist in a Sentence

a purist who only drinks European wines

Recent Examples on the Web

This turn toward a high-end consumer market — which reflects a broader trend among many retailers to cater to the affluent — hasn’t been without its critics, especially from music purists who view the festival as overly commercial. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

This subtle dose of animal print might convince even the solid-manicure purists to embrace their wild side. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026

But some unintentional purists, like Mays, remain on the hairy fringe. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

Back then, purists grumbled that the modern reinterpretation of the British classic departed from the rough and tumble identity of Defenders past. —John Scott Lewinski, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for purist

• jurist
• purest
• surest
• tourist