purity

noun

pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce purity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being pure
2

Examples of purity in a Sentence

struggling to live a life of purity while surrounded by wickedness
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That money shifts college sports even further away from purity and closer to payola. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 Upon arriving at Viña Santa Rita, one of his objectives was to preserve the purity and freshness of their Carménère wines, while discovering the perfect level of ripeness that yields an irresistible, vibrant juiciness in their single-vineyard wines, which feature 90-year-old vines. Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity. Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 31 July 2025 If the Democrats have a problem of too many purity tests, Republicans will soon experience the consequences of putting together a coalition that may have too few. David French, Mercury News, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for purity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purete, from Anglo-French purité, from Late Latin puritat-, puritas, from Latin purus pure

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purity was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Purity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purity. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

purity

noun
pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce purity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being pure : freedom from impurities
2
: freedom from guilt or sin

Medical Definition

purity

noun
pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce purity (audio)
: the quality or state of being pure

More from Merriam-Webster on purity

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