reformer

noun

re·​form·​er ri-ˈfȯr-mər 

1

: one that works for or urges reform

2

Reformer : a leader of the Protestant Reformation

3

: an apparatus for cracking oils or gases to form specialized products

Examples of reformer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From late Qing reformers inspired by Athenian citizenship to nationalists who draw on Plato to bolster China’s political ideology, Bartsch shows how supple ancient texts are in the hands of interpreters. —Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026

Instead, the White House appears to be prodding Iranian reformers to step forward to put their nation on a more sustainable course. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

During this period, Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther argued that these texts were valuable to Christians but should not be viewed as scripture. —Christy Cobb, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026

Many of these great early female reformers were abolitionist leaders. —CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reformer

• counter-reformer

Rhymes for reformer

• conformer
• informer
• performer
• transformer
• dormer
• former
• warmer

Kids Definition

reformer

noun

re·​form·​er ri-ˈfȯr-mər 

: one that works for reform