disciplinarian

noun

dis·​ci·​pli·​nar·​i·​an ˌdi-sə-plə-ˈner-ē-ən How to pronounce disciplinarian (audio)
: one who disciplines or enforces order
disciplinarian adjective

Examples of disciplinarian in a Sentence

The school's principal is a strict disciplinarian.
Recent Examples on the Web Bernard Parks, chief from 1997 to 2002, had a reputation as a tough disciplinarian, which frequently put him at odds with the police union. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2024 They're perceived as harsh disciplinarians, primarily concerned with academic achievement. Josh Feldman, NBC News, 17 June 2024 This view of Nigeria requires the country to find a unicorn: a democratic disciplinarian who will bring order and prosperity to the system. Uzodinma Iweala, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022 Sanders, Taylor makes clear, is not a players’ coach, but an old-school disciplinarian. Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for disciplinarian 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disciplinarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

disciplin(ary) + -arian

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disciplinarian was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near disciplinarian

Cite this Entry

“Disciplinarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciplinarian. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

disciplinarian

noun
dis·​ci·​pli·​nar·​i·​an ˌdis-ə-plə-ˈner-ē-ən How to pronounce disciplinarian (audio)
: one who disciplines or enforces order
disciplinarian adjective

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