jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist 

: one having a thorough knowledge of law

especially : judge

Synonyms

• judge
• court

Examples of jurist in a Sentence

earned a reputation as one of the most learned jurists in the federal courts

Recent Examples on the Web

The rare move highlighted the administration's combative stance toward jurists who impeded its immigration policies. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

As the government works to appeal the decision, state and federal officials are publicly attributing their loss in federal court to Williams, a veteran jurist appointed by former President Barack Obama. —Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025

The Rhode Island jurist passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced on social media. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Aug. 2025

Khomeini sought to replace the monarchy with a religious state ruled by an Islamic jurist. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jurist

• purest
• purist
• surest
• tourist

Kids Definition

jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇(ə)r-əst 

: one (as a lawyer or judge) having a thorough knowledge of law

Legal Definition

jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist 

: an individual having a thorough knowledge of law

especially : judge

the state's top jurist violated the U.S. Constitution when he banned the filming

—National Law Journal

Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus law