-ist

1 of 2

noun suffix

1

a

: one that performs a (specified) action

cyclist

: one that makes or produces a (specified) thing

novelist

b

: one that plays a (specified) musical instrument

harpist

c

: one that operates a (specified) mechanical instrument or contrivance

automobilist

2

: one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill

geologist

ventriloquist

3

: one that adheres to or advocates a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior

socialist

royalist

hedonist

or that of a (specified) individual

Calvinist

Darwinist

-ist

2 of 2

adjective suffix

: of, relating to, or characteristic of

elitist

Word History

Etymology

Noun suffix

French -iste, from Latin -ista, -istes, from Greek -istēs, from verbs in -izein -ize

Kids Definition

-ist

noun suffix

əst

1

a

: one that performs a (specified) action

cyclist

: one that makes or produces

novelist

b

: one that plays a (specified) musical instrument

harpist

c

: one that operates a (specified) machine

automobilist

2

: one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill

geologist

3

: one that believes in or favors a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior

socialist

or that of a (specified) individual

Buddhist

Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Greek -istēs (noun suffix)