unionism

[yoon-yuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. the principle of union, especially trade unionism.

2. attachment to a union.

3. (initial capital letter),  loyalty to the federal union of the United States of America, especially at the time of the Civil War.

unionism

/ ˈjuːnjəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the principles of trade unions

2. adherence to the principles of trade unions

3. the principle or theory of any union

Other Word Forms

• prounionism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unionism¹

First recorded in 1835–45; union + -ism

Example Sentences

Speaking ahead of the conference, Allister said there would be an "upbeat spirit", however, he will warn that unionism will not recover "unless and until" the Irish Sea border is fully removed.

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"Rather than working with this injustice, accommodating it, going forward unionism needs to stand united against it."

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"There's nothing shameful, it doesn't make your unionism any weaker," he added.

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The Belfast East MP is expected to criticise those within unionism who have "thrived on attacking one another".

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The assembly member warned fellow unionists that those who support a "very pure interpretation of unionism" are the people most likely to lose the union.

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