-ist
1 of 2noun suffix
1
a
: one that performs a (specified) action
cyclist
: one that makes or produces a (specified) thing novelist
b
: one that plays a (specified) musical instrument
harpist
c
: one that operates a (specified) mechanical instrument or contrivance
automobilist
2
: one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill
geologist
ventriloquist
3
: one that adheres to or advocates a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior
socialist
royalist
hedonist
or that of a (specified) individual Calvinist
Darwinist
-ist
2 of 2adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or characteristic of
elitist
Word History
Etymology
Noun suffix
French -iste, from Latin -ista, -istes, from Greek -istēs, from verbs in -izein -ize
Kids Definition
-ist
noun suffix
əst
1
: performer of a specified action
cyclist
: maker : producer novelist
2
: a person who plays a specified musical instrument or operates a specified mechanical device
pianist
motorist
3
: a person who specializes in a specified art or science or skill
geologist
4
: a person who follows or favors a specified teaching, practice, system, or code of behavior
optimist