The meaning of PEDANT is one who is unimaginative, rigid, or overly concerned with minor details in the presentation or use of knowledge; sometimes, specifically : a person who adheres strictly to …

PEDANT definition: a person who makes an excessive or inappropriate display of learning. See examples of pedant used in a sentence.

If you say that someone is a pedant, you mean that they are too concerned with unimportant details or traditional rules, especially in connection with academic subjects.

He binds his music because he is a pedant and a prig, and can't help it; a bad fellow to get on with.

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word pedant, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 15, 2025 · pedant (plural pedants) A person who makes an excessive or tedious show of their knowledge, especially regarding rules of vocabulary and grammar. A person who is overly concerned …

Pedant definition: One who ostentatiously exhibits academic knowledge or who pays undue attention to minor details or formal rules.

Definition of pedant noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A pedant is an annoying person who is focused on minor details and book knowledge rather than ordinary common sense. In war, it can be dangerous to have a pedant as commander — he'll insist …

one too concerned with minor details, esp. in teaching: a boring, uninspiring pedant whose students fall asleep in his classes. one too concerned with book knowledge without regard to common sense.