capitalist

[ kap-i-tl-ist ]

noun

1. a person who has capital, especially extensive capital, invested in business enterprises.
2. an advocate of capitalism.
3. a very wealthy person.

capitalist

/ ˈkæpɪtəlɪst /

noun

1. a person who owns capital, esp capital invested in a business
2. politics a supporter of capitalism
3. informal.
   a rich person

adjective

1. of or relating to capital, capitalists, or capitalism

Derived Forms

• ˌcapitalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• anti·capi·tal·ist noun adjective
• non·capi·tal·ist noun
• pre·capi·tal·ist noun adjective
• pro·capi·tal·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitalist¹

First recorded in 1785–95; capital ¹ + -ist

Example Sentences

Nothing in it was meant to change the basic operations of the capitalist economy or to intervene aggressively in class relations.

From The Daily Beast

Beck is in the same position as any post-industrial capitalist entrepreneur.

From The Daily Beast

At home, Lobanov's favorite books were those that showed the aircraft of capitalist countries like the US, Britain, and France.

From The Daily Beast

Capitalist-led industrial growth shifted the proportion of the population living in cities.

From The Daily Beast

Calling capitalist ownership parasitism is an extreme position, perhaps, but one common enough among Occupiers.

From The Daily Beast

Properly applied, the capitalist and the employer of labor need have nothing to fear from it.

From Project Gutenberg

The good will of that concern was, however, purchased by M. Ducroquet (a capitalist), who entrusted him with its management.

From Project Gutenberg

More than one capitalist put down his name for thirty thousand pounds.

From Project Gutenberg

The suffering of individuals, of large masses, indeed, is unavoidable under capitalist conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

How boldly he acted during the Haymarket tragedy—publicly advised the use of violence to avenge the capitalist conspiracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• banker
• entrepreneur
• financier