purism

noun

pur·​ism ˈpyu̇r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce purism (audio)
1
: an example of rigid adherence to or insistence on purity or nicety especially in use of words
especially : a word, phrase, or sense used chiefly by purists
2
: the quality or practice of adherence to purity especially in language

Examples of purism in a Sentence

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.
Yarrow, who died on Tuesday at 86, was also a member of the Newport Folk Festival board that had been striving to balance the event’s founding mission — bringing traditional music to a wider audience — with the preferences of that wider audience, which was more drawn to pop than purism. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Plus, purism aside, there isn’t much of a difference between natural and man-made diamonds. — Alena Botros, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purism was in 1777

Rhymes for purism

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puriri
purism
purist
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Cite this Entry

“Purism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purism. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

purism

noun
pur·​ism ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce purism (audio)
: a strict following of what is considered absolutely correct especially in the use of words
purist
-əst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on purism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about purism

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