pundit

noun
pun·​dit | \ ˈpən-dət How to pronounce pundit (audio) \

Definition of pundit

1 : pandit
2 : a learned person : teacher
3 : a person who gives opinions in an authoritative manner usually through the mass media : critic

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Other Words from pundit

punditry \ ˈpən-​də-​trē How to pronounce punditry (audio) \ noun

Synonyms for pundit

Synonyms

sage, savant, scholar

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Did You Know?

The original pundits were highly respected teachers and leaders in India. Their title was taken from the Hindi word pandit, a term of respect for a wise person that itself derives from the Sanskrit pandita, meaning "learned." English speakers began using the form pundit specifically to refer to those Hindu sages as long ago as the 1600s. By the 1800s, they had also extended the term to refer to other sagacious individuals, and now pundit is often used with a hint of sarcasm to refer to informed opinion makers (such as political commentators, financial analysts, and newspaper columnists) who boldly share their views (sometimes at great length) on just about any subject that lies within their areas of expertise.

Examples of pundit in a Sentence

a moral question that has puzzled the pundits throughout the ages the new mini laptop has gotten a thumbs-up from industry pundits

Recent Examples on the Web

Some fans and pundits have said the risk for fans has grown because so many spectators habitually stare at their cellphones instead of watching the action. Jeff Barker, baltimoresun.com, "In wake of MLB fan injuries, Orioles among first teams to say they will extend protective netting all the way to foul poles," 13 July 2019 But early endorsements also rolled in from several national politicians – including presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand – along with other pundits and notable figures. Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, "What politicians and pundits on both sides of the aisle are saying about Amy McGrath," 9 July 2019 The picks have left many Suns fans and pundits critical of Phoenix’s draft night. Duane Rankin, azcentral, "Suns probably far from championship contender Celtics center Aron Baynes expected to join," 21 June 2019 Outside of Coral Gables, fans and pundits alike wondered why Pope had struggled to effectively crack the rotation. Christy Cabrera Chirinos, sun-sentinel.com, "UM’s Mark Pope says last season’s lack of productivity ‘was on me’ and vows this year will be different," 19 June 2019 The comment about thin skin, of course, refers to the way Durant consistently claps back on social media when fans or TV pundits criticize him. Chuck Barney, The Mercury News, "Charles Barkley to Kevin Durant: ‘Don’t go to the Knicks’," 4 June 2019 Advertising Television news broadcasts are dominated by Brexit, with pundits dissecting daily developments and politicians trading insults. Danica Kirka, The Seattle Times, "Brexhaustion: Long, grinding Brexit is stressing people out," 12 Apr. 2019 The media came down hard on President Trump following Monday's joint press conference in Helsinki with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with pundits and anchors on both sides of the political aisle bashing the American leader's performance. Brian Flood, Fox News, "Media slams Trump following Putin summit: 'One of the most disgraceful performances by an American president'," 16 July 2018 Look for fans and pundits alike to be eyeing another Kerber-Williams singles final in Mason next month. Patrick Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Angelique Kerber downs Serena Williams at Wimbledon in lead-up to Western & Southern Open," 14 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pundit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pundit

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pundit

Hindi paṇḍit, from Sanskrit paṇḍita, from paṇḍita learned

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More Definitions for pundit

pundit

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pundit

: a person who knows a lot about a particular subject and who expresses ideas and opinions about that subject publicly (such as by speaking on television and radio shows)

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