stickler

American  

[stik-ler] / ˈstɪk lər /

noun

1. a person who insists on something unyieldingly (usually followed byfor ).

   a stickler for ceremony.

   Synonyms:

   perfectionist, purist, fanatic

2. any puzzling or difficult problem.

   Synonyms:

   mystery, riddle, puzzle

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stickler British  

/ ˈstɪklə /

noun

1. (usually foll by for) a person who makes insistent demands

   a stickler for accuracy

2. a problem or puzzle

   the investigation proved to be a stickler

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Etymology

Origin of stickler

First recorded in 1530–40; stickle + -er ¹

Explanation

A stickler is someone who insists that things are done in a certain way. Say you’re getting married and want to write your own vows, but your partner’s mother demands that you have a traditional ceremony. The mother is a stickler for tradition. Stickler has its origins in a word meaning umpire, which may allude to a stickler’s bossy nature. Difficult problems or puzzles are called sticklers. It is helpful when remembering the definition of stickler that it has the word “stick” in it. So someone who “sticks” to the rules is a stickler.

Example Sentences

My father, a World War II officer and stickler for correctness, was especially proud of my medal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

You seem to be a stickler for detail, so that came as a surprise.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

While Ramsey may be a stickler for oceanic preservation, it seems she’s done little to protect against her humility and self-awareness, floating out into the abyss.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2025

“He’s such a stickler for the details that sometimes I have to tell him to give himself some grace, allow himself to be a little more kind to himself,” Pleasant said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025

Part of one’s despair, of course, is that the world cares nothing for the little shocks endured by the sensitive stickler.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author