monuist

Monuist is a term used to describe a person whose work or interest centers on monuments. The word is not a standard professional designation in most fields; its meaning depends on context, and it can denote creators, scholars, or advocates of monuments and memorials.

Originating from the noun monument and the agent suffix -ist, monuist is used primarily in informal or theoretical writing. It does not have a fixed set of duties or qualifications and is not tied to a single discipline.

Applications of the term vary: in art and architecture, a monuist may refer to a sculptor or designer who emphasizes monumentality in form and scale. In heritage studies or archaeology, it can describe researchers who treat monuments as sources of historical information and cultural memory. In public discourse or preservation practice, a monuist can be an advocate for erecting, conserving, or interpreting monuments as a means of collective memory.

Because there is no universally accepted definition, credential, or professional body for monuists, the term is used sporadically and mainly within niche debates or as a descriptive label rather than a formal occupation. Related concepts include monuments, memorials, monumental architecture, cultural heritage, conservation, archaeology, and art history.