pristine

adjective

pris·​tine ˈpri-ˌstēn 

pri-ˈstēn

especially British ˈpri-ˌstīn

1

: belonging to the earliest period or state : original

the hypothetical pristine lunar atmosphere

2

a

: not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization) : pure

a pristine forest

b

: fresh and clean as or as if new

used books in pristine condition

pristinely adverb

Did you know?

When pristine was anglicized in the 16th century, people borrowed the meanings of "early" and "original" from the Latin word pristinus and applied those meanings to what is desirable as well as to what is not. But it has long been a tendency of civilized people to admire a simpler and unsullied past. The supposition is that when things were in their oldest or original state, they were better. Thus, pristine was extended to describe the notion of an unspoiled, uncorrupted, or unpolluted state. And what is unspoiled or uncontaminated may connote the freshness and cleanness of something that has just been made, which explains how pristine has also come to mean "fresh and clean."

Synonyms of pristine

• mint
• fresh
• virginal
• untouched
• virgin

Examples of pristine in a Sentence

My office is a mess but her office is always pristine.

He was wearing a pristine white shirt.

Recent Examples on the Web

This deep price drop completely sweeps away the financial barrier typically attached to high-power smart floor robots, giving busy families, pet owners, and apartment dwellers an easy way to maintain pristine floors. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026

On a pristine Rhode Island beach teeming with noisy seabirds, a group of biologists armed with nets sneak up on a pair of American oystercatcher chicks. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Take your time admiring the pristine yachts on the glistening blue water before directing your attention to the posh promenades of Calle Ribera and Muelle Ribera. — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Edwards is quick to drive after facing up against her defender, even when the spacing around her isn’t exactly pristine; none of the Connecticut guards really give the defense a reason to stay home, but Edwards still finds a way to the basket. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin pristinus; akin to Latin prior

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pristine

• pristine condition

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Kids Definition

pristine

adjective

pris·​tine ˈpris-ˌtēn 

1

: not spoiled, polluted, or corrupted (as by civilization)

a pristine forest

2

: being fresh and clean

pristine new math books