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

Spain versus Argentina in the final 24 hours later was never going to be a purists’ classic, but what unfolded was undoubtedly the dirtiest final since 2010, when the Spanish also faced aggressive, uncompromising opponents — the Netherlands. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026

In recent days, though, broadcasters have predicted the spectacle will cause the regular half-time break to be extended, much to the annoyance of soccer purists. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Out of this opulent crop, Opeth were the OSDM purists at the party. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026

This rendition of Cats—which recently won three Tony Awards—has frequently been described as the way Cats should have been from the start, and all but the purists will likely agree. — Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for purist

• jurist
• purest
• surest
• tourist