noun
stickler
STIHK-luh
noun
1
A person who insists on strict adherence to rules, details, or standards.
"She's a real stickler for punctuation."
"He's a stickler for punctuality, so don't be late."
How to Use Stickler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is very fussy about doing things exactly right, by the rules.
Common pairings
a stickler for detail
a stickler for rules
Word Forms
sticklers plural, Sticklers plural
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She's a real _____ for punctuation.
Etymology
From Middle English stightlere, related to "stickle"; originally the referee at Cornish wrestling matches, who carried a stick as a badge of office.