federalist

American  

[fed-er-uh-list] / ˈfɛd ər ə lɪst /

noun

1. an advocate of federalism.

2. (initial capital letter) a member or supporter of the Federalist party.

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adjective

1. Also federalistic of federalism or the Federalists.

Federalist British  

/ ˈfɛdərəlɪst /

noun

1. a supporter or member of the Federalist party

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adjective

1. characteristic of the Federalists

Other Word Forms

• hyperfederalist noun

Etymology

Origin of federalist

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; federal + -ist

Example Sentences

Perhaps most important, he respected the authority of the states in our federalist system.

From The Wall Street Journal

These aren’t abstract legal theories; they are fundamental precepts of our federalist system.

From The Wall Street Journal

She said she also voted for separation in the first referendum, in 1980, when the federalist camp won with 60 percent support.

From Barron's

I haven’t gotten my copy yet, but as I understand it, they outline a plan for a federalist, democratic republic with guaranteed rights for both Jews and Arabs, somewhat along the lines of pre-breakup Yugoslavia.

From Salon

In America's federalist system, however, there is another institutional check on his power and that's the states.

From Salon