jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist 

: one having a thorough knowledge of law

especially : judge

Synonyms

• adjudicator
• beak [chiefly British]
• bench
• court
• judge
• justice
• magistrate

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

For several years, Bolsonaro had engaged in a ferocious feud with the Supreme Court—and particularly with Alexandre de Moraes, a pugnacious jurist who is sometimes described as the second most powerful man in Brazil. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

In Wisconsin and 23 other states, jurists on their highest court are wrongly elected. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2025

Impeachment must be reserved for cases involving serious misconduct or corruption, not trotted out as a cudgel to threaten federal jurists for doing their jobs. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025

At various points during his exchange with Kambli, Boasberg expressed surprise at the refusal to answer questions or disclose the information to a jurist. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jurist

• purest
• purist
• surest
• tourist

Kids Definition

jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇(ə)r-əst 

: one (as a lawyer or judge) having a thorough knowledge of law

Legal Definition

jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist 

: 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