What does nudist mean?
A nudist is a person who practices or advocates nudism, commonly in a club, colony, beach, or other designated naturist setting. The word can also refer to someone who supports the idea of undress in appropriate environments. In British English, “naturist” is often preferred because it suggests a broader philosophy of natural living and body acceptance, rather than focusing only on the absence of clothing. The term is not restricted to any one nationality and is used in both British and American English, though attitudes toward it vary. In a sentence, it can describe either a member of a particular community or a person who generally promotes nudism.
A person who practices or advocates nudism.
"The club welcomes nudists who want to enjoy the outdoors without clothing."
“Naturist” is often the preferred neutral alternative, especially in British English.
Relating to nudism or to a person who practices it.
"They spent the afternoon at a nudist beach."
This attributive use is less common than the noun, and “naturist” is often used instead.
The regular plural is “nudists,” used for multiple people who practice or advocate nudism.
"Several nudists were enjoying the secluded beach."
Nudist and naturist can describe the same person, but “naturist” presents the practice as a philosophy of natural living rather than simply an emphasis on undress.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nudist come from?
The word was formed in the late nineteenth century from “nude,” meaning unclothed, and the suffix “-ist,” which forms a word denoting a person associated with a practice or doctrine. The related terms “nudism” and “nudity” developed from the same Latin root, nudus, meaning “bare” or “naked.” “Denude” also traces to that Latin root through French. The terminology became associated with organized naturist communities in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Related word forms
How nudist is actually used
The word is used in both British and American English, but “naturist” is often preferred as a more positive and less narrowly focused alternative. It may refer to a participant in nudist settings or, more generally, to an advocate of nudism.
Easily confused with nudist
A nudist practices or advocates nudism, while a naturist is someone who favors body-positive, non-sexual natural living and may or may not practice nudism; “naturist” is often the preferred modern term.