individualist

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ist ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-list How to pronounce individualist (audio)
-ˈvij-wə-,
-ˈvi-jə-list
1
: one that pursues a markedly independent course in thought or action
2
: one that advocates or practices individualism
individualist adjective
or individualistic
ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-wə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce individualist (audio)
-ˌvij-wə-,
-ˌvi-jə-ˈli-
individualistically
ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-wə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce individualist (audio)
-ˌvij-wə-
-ˌvi-jə-ˈli-
adverb

Examples of individualist in a Sentence

The school encourages children to be individualists. an individualist who steadfastly refuses to do what everyone else is doing
Recent Examples on the Web The ultimate in sailing chic, Wally Yachts are streamlined, high tech, luxurious high-performance boats that appeal to the sophisticated individualist who is passionate about sailing. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 More than a century later, such forays have matured into an individualist morality that has become widespread. Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 But at least the trash-talking, optimistic and individualist Eloise is back, after she was subdued by her rift with Penelope this year. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024 How, then, did programming become the domain of bearded nerds and manly individualists? JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for individualist 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'individualist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of individualist was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near individualist

Cite this Entry

“Individualist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualist. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

individualist

noun
in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ist ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-ləst How to pronounce individualist (audio)
-ˈvij-əl-əst
1
: a person who thinks or behaves in an individual or independent way
2
: a supporter of individualism
individualist adjective
or individualistic
-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-ˈlis-tik How to pronounce individualist (audio)
-ˌvij-ə-ˈlis-tik
individualistically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on individualist

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