martinet
Americannoun
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a strict disciplinarian, especially a military one.
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someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of martinet
1670–80; after General Jean Martinet (died 1672), French inventor of a system of drill
Explanation
Use the noun martinet to describe someone who is a stickler when it comes to following rules, such as the teacher who won't accept homework if it is written in a color other than blue. Pronounce martinet with the accent on the last syllable: "mar-ti-NET." Jean Martinet, the man for whom the word was coined, would insist you say his name correctly. He was a legendary drillmaster for the French army during the reign of Louis XIV. In 1779, a hundred years after Martinet's death, martinet came to mean any officer who was as strict and demanding in adhering to the rules as Martinet himself.
Vocabulary lists containing martinet
Unit 1: Telling Details
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"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce
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All Quiet on the Western Front
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nintendo of America confirmed Monday that Martinet will now serve in the role of “Mario Ambassador,” traveling around the world to promote the beloved plumber, signing autographs and performing Nintendo character voices.
From Washington Times • Aug. 22, 2023
Instead, Martinet will step into the role of “Mario Ambassador,” Nintendo said in a statement, which added that he would continue to travel the world and interact with fans.
From New York Times • Aug. 22, 2023
Nintendo did not give say why Martinet is stepping down or who would replace him as Mario’s voice.
From Washington Times • Aug. 22, 2023
Charles Martinet has “mamma”-ed his last “mia” as the voice of mustachioed video game icon Mario.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2023
Welles cues music again as the program supposedly switches to Brooklyn’s Hotel Martinet.
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
