pristine

adjective

pris·​tine ˈpri-ˌstēn 

pri-ˈstēn,

 especially British  ˈpri-ˌstīn

1

: belonging to the earliest period or state : original

the hypothetical pristine lunar atmosphere

2

a

: not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization) : pure

a pristine forest

b

: fresh and clean as or as if new

used books in pristine condition

pristinely adverb

Did you know?

When pristine was anglicized in the 16th century, people borrowed the meanings of "early" and "original" from the Latin word pristinus and applied those meanings to what is desirable as well as to what is not. But it has long been a tendency of civilized people to admire a simpler and unsullied past. The supposition is that when things were in their oldest or original state, they were better. Thus, pristine was extended to describe the notion of an unspoiled, uncorrupted, or unpolluted state. And what is unspoiled or uncontaminated may connote the freshness and cleanness of something that has just been made, which explains how pristine has also come to mean "fresh and clean."

Synonyms

• brand-new
• fresh
• mint
• span-new
• virgin
• virginal

Examples of pristine in a Sentence

My office is a mess but her office is always pristine.

He was wearing a pristine white shirt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, veteran Nevada political journalist Jon Ralston, known for his pristine presidential election forecast in the state, also predicted Monday that independents, which make up the plurality of voters in Nevada, would propel Harris to a narrow 0.3-point victory over Trump in Nevada. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Here are 11 destinations where the holiday season meets pristine powder, making for one perfect ski getaway. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024

This set from Tuft & Needle looks crisp and pristine, but can keep you cool all night long. —Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024

The pristine 400-acre community, located on the easternmost portion of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, offers multi-million residences to purchase, as well as rental options for those seeking an exclusive vacation. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin pristinus; akin to Latin prior

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pristine

• pristine condition

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Kids Definition

pristine

adjective

pris·​tine ˈpris-ˌtēn 

1

: not spoiled, polluted, or corrupted (as by civilization)

a pristine forest

2

: being fresh and clean

pristine new math books