Luddite

[luhd-ahyt]

noun

a member of any of various bands of workers in England (1811–16) organized to destroy manufacturing machinery, under the belief that its use diminished employment.

someone who is opposed or resistant to new technologies or technological change.

Origin of Luddite

1805–15; after Ned Ludd, 18th-century Leicestershire worker who originated the idea; see -ite¹

Related formsLud·dism, Lud·dit·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for luddite

Contemporary Examples of luddite

Though I have a reputation for being a Luddite, I actually love the new digital technology and its artistic possibilities.
Confessions of a Blasphemer: Sherman Alexie Talks New Book, Indian Humor and More
Jane Ciabattari
October 17, 2012
They have a weirdly jubilant streak that defuses any hint of a Luddite subtext.
Artist Josephine Meckseper Digs for Oil in Times Square—And Strikes Gold
Blake Gopnik
March 4, 2012
Luddite Rantings: A Historical Critique of Big Technology.
The Great College Road Trip
Nick Summers
April 8, 2011

Historical Examples of luddite

Anyhow from that time the Luddite conspiracy ceased to be formidable.
Through the Fray
G. A. Henty
Not unnaturally, without work and without food, these handworkers The Luddite riots.
A History of England, Period III.
Rev. J. Franck Bright
During the autumn and winter of 1811 "Luddite" riots broke out among the stocking-weavers of Nottingham.
The Political History of England - Vol XI
George Brodrick
After this wholesale act of severity the Luddite disturbances soon came to an end.
Through the Fray
G. A. Henty
Still the Luddite Riots must not be forgotten, for, at one time, they threatened to be somewhat serious.
Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)
John Ashton.

British Dictionary definitions for luddite

Luddite

noun English history

any of the textile workers opposed to mechanization who rioted and organized machine-breaking between 1811 and 1816

any opponent of industrial change or innovation

adjective

of or relating to the Luddites

Derived FormsLuddism, noun

Word Origin for Luddite

C19: alleged to be named after Ned Ludd, an 18th-century Leicestershire workman, who destroyed industrial machinery

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for luddite

Luddite

also luddite, 1811, from name taken by an organized band of weavers who destroyed machinery in Midlands and northern England 1811-16 for fear it would deprive them of work. Supposedly from Ned Ludd, a Leicestershire worker who in 1779 had done the same before through insanity (but that story first was told in 1847). Applied to modern rejecters of automation and technology from at least 1961. As an adjective from 1812.