puritanism

noun

pu·​ri·​tan·​ism ˈpyu̇r-ə-tᵊn-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce puritanism (audio)
1
capitalized : the beliefs and practices characteristic of the Puritans
2
: strictness and austerity especially in matters of religion or conduct

Examples of puritanism in a Sentence

the Victorian era was often characterized by a hypocritical puritanism
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.
Today’s triumphant puritanism finds such idleness abhorrent. Martin Wolf, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2015 He in turn was denounced for what many thought was an old-fashioned puritanism and what many also thought was jealousy — the production was directed by his successor at Yale, Lloyd Richards. Bruce Weber, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2023 And for Black women in particular, the consequences of stepping out of society’s faux puritanism are always much harsher. Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2022 And for Black women, in particular, the consequences of stepping out of society’s faux puritanism are always much harsher. Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for puritanism 

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of puritanism was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near puritanism

Cite this Entry

“Puritanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puritanism. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on puritanism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!