purity

noun

pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce purity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being pure
2

Examples of purity in a Sentence

struggling to live a life of purity while surrounded by wickedness
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.
The Sport runs the spectrum from being an everyday steel sports watch, jostling with the Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Daytona for attention, to morphing into a red-carpet star in solid 18-karat gold with a gem-set bezel, to this monochrome purity. Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025 But the quest for ideological purity is present with Democrats as well, something illustrated by critiques of Senator John Fetterman and efforts by former co-vice chair of the Democratic Party David Hogg to support left-wing candidates in primary challenges against moderates. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025 Among those targeted by the show were former Disney pop stars the Jonas Brothers, who were depicted in a 2009 episode as being attacked by Mickey Mouse amid a plot point that also lampooned their purity rings signaling virginity. EW.com, 2 July 2025 Traditionally white to represent purity, today's cakes come in every shape, size, and color imaginable—including black. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for purity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purete, from Anglo-French purité, from Late Latin puritat-, puritas, from Latin purus pure

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purity was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purity. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

purity

noun
pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce purity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being pure : freedom from impurities
2
: freedom from guilt or sin

Medical Definition

purity

noun
pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce purity (audio)
: the quality or state of being pure

More from Merriam-Webster on purity

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