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

Eskin favors changing the system for choosing judges to one in which jurists are appointed to a single 15-year term, eliminating the need for elections while also ensuring that jurists do eventually leave the bench to make way for others. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026

As prominent Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe and conservative jurist Michael Luttig argued, the archaic law was dangerously flawed and fundamentally ripe for partisan exploitation. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 9 June 2026

An assemblage of distinguished jurists, Ivy League professors, nonprofit leaders, journalists, and theologians sat around me in a half circle. —Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026

Now, the family seeks a fresh start with a new complaint, this time to be heard before a federal judge, rather than Lyons or any other Cook County jurists. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 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