1. members of a Protestant group in 16th and 17th century England and America who wanted to purify the Church of England of Catholic practices
Usage: historical; capitalized when referring to the specific religious group
2. people who have very strict moral or religious beliefs and disapprove of pleasure and luxury
Usage: often lowercase when used generally

Examples

• The Puritans sailed to America seeking religious freedom.
• Many Puritans settled in Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s.
• Puritan beliefs emphasized hard work and simple living.
• The Puritans banned theater and dancing in their communities.
• Some people called them puritans because they disapproved of any form of entertainment.
• Modern puritans might criticize others for enjoying worldly pleasures.
• The town’s puritans objected to the new casino being built.