stickler

noun

stick·​ler ˈsti-k(ə-)lər 

1

: one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something

a stickler for the rules

2

: something that baffles or puzzles : poser

Examples of stickler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aguirre is a stickler like that. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Carter, at the time, was a stickler. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026

Yes, some sticklers would insist that greatly should never stand between to and excel. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026

Though far from a revolutionary by nature, John was a stickler for law. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stickler

• tickler

Kids Definition

stickler

noun

stick·​ler ˈstik-(ə-)lər 

1

: a person who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something

a stickler for the rules

2

: something that baffles or puzzles