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

No injunction to block social media review Judge Hellerstein’s death would appear to be a setback to plaintiffs, which might now have to proceed before a less favorable jurist or face delays as the judge’s cases are reassigned. — Varsha Bansal, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct. 2026

Hellerstein’s colleagues on the bench and lawyers who argued in his courtroom praised the late jurist for his acumen and compassion. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions Friday, after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and other international courts. — Matthew Lee, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Navi Pillay, a South African jurist who was the UN’s longest-serving human rights chief, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 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