purist

noun

pur·​ist ˈpyu̇r-ist 

: a person who adheres strictly and often excessively to a tradition

especially : one preoccupied with the purity of a language and its protection from the use of foreign or altered forms

puristic

pyu̇-ˈri-stik 

adjective

puristically

pyu̇-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of purist in a Sentence

a purist who only drinks European wines

Recent Examples on the Web

Those who don’t shy away from more adventurous colors can indulge in vibrant options like aquamarine and amber, though purists have their pick as well with options like crystal and glossy black. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2026

As expected, the nostalgic remake of the Air Force 1’s 2001 mold stays faithful to an era of the sneaker that many purists consider to be among the best. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

For martini purists, the Classic Martini Service is the cleaner test. —Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Audiences and technophiles have been wowed, but film purists have howled over the trimming of more than 25 minutes of runtime, including some musical numbers. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for purist

• jurist
• purest
• surest
• tourist