Meaning of the word puritan in English

What does puritan mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

puritan

US /ˈpjʊr.ɪ.t̬ən/
UK /ˈpjʊə.rɪ.tən/
"puritan" picture

Noun

1.

a member of a group of English Protestants of the late 16th and 17th centuries who regarded the Reformation of the Church of England under Elizabeth I as incomplete and sought to simplify and regulate forms of worship and, to some extent, daily life.

Example:
Many Puritans emigrated to America in the 17th century seeking religious freedom.
The strict moral code of the Puritans influenced early American society.
2.

a person who has very strict moral attitudes and who disapproves of many pleasures and enjoyments

Example:
He's such a puritan, he never wants to go out and have fun.
Her grandmother was a bit of a puritan when it came to fashion.

Adjective

having or displaying a strict moral or religious code; austere or severe

Example:
The town had a very puritan atmosphere, with little tolerance for frivolity.
His puritan upbringing made him wary of modern trends.