pedantry

noun

ped·​ant·​ry ˈpe-dᵊn-trē 

plural pedantries

1

: pedantic presentation or application of knowledge or learning

2

: an instance of pedantry

Examples of pedantry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most interesting aspects of the history of pedantry is that evolution of its meaning. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026

Supporters of gender-affirming care say these claims amount to pedantry, as research shows gender-affirming care is associated with improvements in mental health. — Bob Herman, STAT, 17 June 2026

While their work has a core of seriousness, their onstage persona is free of the pedantry leftists get maligned for, more hapless millennial than Marxist lecturer. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 21 May 2026

What some mathematicians see as a move toward greater certainty, others might see as pedantry or a barrier to progress. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pedantry

noun

ped·​ant·​ry ˈped-ᵊn-trē 

plural pedantries

: dull and overly exact presentation of knowledge or learning