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

Yet, trapped within the GOP apparatus, his baseline scenario has always been a predictable squeeze in the primary, caught between conservative purists who view him as too centrist and partisan Democrats who hold the financial high ground. — Dain Fitzgerald, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

But are these findings evidence that remote work purists have been right all along or ammunition for the return-to-office crowd? — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Cobbler purists often like to pair their servings with a sidecar of cold cream to shower on top. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026

While home-theater purists will likely still opt for external AV receivers and soundbars, the PX4 Pro is tailored to operate smoothly as a completely standalone cinema center. — New Atlas, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for purist

• jurist
• purest
• surest
• tourist