jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist 

: one having a thorough knowledge of law

especially : judge

Synonyms of jurist

• 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 president has repeatedly attacked federal judges and Supreme Court justices who have ruled against his policies, at times singling out individual jurists by name and questioning their motives or legitimacy. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Where Judge Hartig’s misconduct case stands The hearing wrapped up after weeks of testimony, including from the judge herself, fellow jurists and three neuropsychologists. —Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Her story shines a light on the aging judiciary, where the average age of federal jurists is 69. —Carrie Johnson, NPR, 29 Mar. 2026

Harvey Brownstone, a jurist and author who served in the Ontario Court of Justice for 26 years, expressed surprise at Oklahoma’s closed system. —Jc Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 22 Mar. 2026

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