stickler

[ stik-ler ]

noun

1. a person who insists on something unyieldingly (usually followed by for ):

   a stickler for ceremony.

   Synonyms: purist, perfectionist, fanatic

2. any puzzling or difficult problem.

   Synonyms: mystery, riddle, puzzle

stickler

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stickler¹

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

Example Sentences

A stickler for defense, Cronin had yelled at Harris and threatened to throw him out of a recent practice that was open to reporters because the guard was not executing traps to the coach’s liking.

From Los Angeles Times

Zimmerman is a stickler for by-the-books diagnostic techniques.

From Slate

But it would be easy for the court to be a stickler for detail about late-arriving ballots or, you know, some of the out-and-out voter suppression that we see going on.

From Slate

"I'm a stickler for the rules," said the 2021 captain, who is at this week's Irish Open.

From BBC

If brat described our wild and unapologetically messy summers, then exemplary manners, politeness and being a stickler for rules is what's taking us into autumn.

From BBC