pristine
Americanadjective
-
having its original purity; uncorrupted or unsullied.
- Synonyms:
- untouched, unpolluted
-
of or relating to the earliest period or state; primitive.
adjective
-
of or involving the earliest period, state, etc; original
-
pure; uncorrupted
-
fresh, clean, and unspoiled
his pristine new car
Usage
The use of pristine to mean fresh, clean, and unspoiled is considered by some people to be incorrect
Etymology
Origin of pristine
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin pristinus “early”; akin to primus prime
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.
Now scientists say the race is on to protect this "relatively pristine" environment from the threats of climate change and pollution.
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
Predicting and timing the final shape is difficult without pristine insight into the highest levels of government and the military—which no investor really has.
From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026
"Our findings suggest that Jupiter's moons did not form as chemically pristine worlds," Mousis said.
From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026
Sections of the Potomac offer a nearly pristine slice of nature tucked beside the urban geography of Washington.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026
Molly fingers the never-used baby blanket, its basket- weave design still vivid, the stitches intricately pristine.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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.
