jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: one having a thorough knowledge of law
especially : judge

Examples of jurist in a Sentence

earned a reputation as one of the most learned jurists in the federal courts
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.
Khomeini sought to replace the monarchy with a religious state ruled by an Islamic jurist. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 Bruno, an experienced jurist and former assistant state’s attorney, placed him on pretrial release with conditions, including reporting to pretrial services and not leaving Illinois. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025 Noting that immigration judges are executive branch employees and not elected or appointed in the same way as other jurists, DeSantis said the president has the authority to deputize a variety of government employees to take on the task. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 The legal precedents that are being applied and developed under the Supreme Court rulings could also be influenced by the general outlook of a jurist, Gielow Jacobs said. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jurist was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jurist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jurist. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

jurist

noun
ju·​rist ˈju̇(ə)r-əst How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: one (as a lawyer or judge) having a thorough knowledge of law

Legal Definition

jurist

noun
ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: an individual having a thorough knowledge of law
especially : judge
the state's top jurist violated the U.S. Constitution when he banned the filming National Law Journal
Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus law

More from Merriam-Webster on jurist

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