loyalist

American  

[loi-uh-list] / ˈlɔɪ ə lɪst /

noun

1. a person who is loyal; a supporter of the sovereign or of the existing government, especially in time of revolt.

2. (sometimes initial capital letter) a person who remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution; Tory.

3. (initial capital letter) an adherent of the republic during the Spanish Civil War, opposed to Franco.

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Loyalist ¹ British  

/ ˈlɔɪəlɪst /

noun

1. (in Northern Ireland) any of the Protestants wishing to retain Ulster's link with Britain

2. (in North America) an American colonist who supported Britain during the War of American Independence

3. (in Canada) short for United Empire Loyalist

4. (during the Spanish Civil War) a supporter of the republican government

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loyalist ² British  

/ ˈlɔɪəlɪst /

noun

1. a patriotic supporter of his sovereign or government

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Other Word Forms

• loyalism noun

Etymology

Origin of loyalist

First recorded in 1640–50; loyal + -ist

Compare meaning

How does loyalist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• patriot vs. loyalist

Example Sentences

Both loyalist and republican paramilitaries are behind the practise according to Long, and she wanted to reassure those who have been targeted that they should report it to authorities.

From BBC

"He has taken full responsibility for the advice but he was not in charge of the vetting and he was not the only adviser," said one McSweeney loyalist.

From BBC

As loyalists flame out, career lawyers are fleeing.

From Salon

I’m a mac-and-cheese loyalist, and Apocalypse’s version—loaded with scallions and bacon bits—did not disappoint.

From Salon

He is a staunch Maduro loyalist, but admits that both his family and colleagues are struggling.

From BBC

Related Words

• follower