Jump To:

• unionist
  unionist

  noun

  a person whose activities or beliefs are characterized by unionism.
• Unionist
  Unionist

  noun

  (sometimes not capital)

unionist

American  

[yoon-yuh-nist] / ˈjun jə nɪst /

noun

1. a person whose activities or beliefs are characterized by unionism.

2. a member of a trade union.

3. (initial capital letter) a supporter of the federal union of the United States of America, especially during the Civil War.

4. British Politics. (formerly) an upholder of the legislative union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

---

Unionist ¹ British  

/ ˈjuːnjənɪst /

noun

1. (sometimes not capital)

   1. (before 1920) a supporter of the union of all Ireland and Great Britain

   2. (since 1920) a supporter of union between Britain and Northern Ireland

2. a supporter of the US federal Union, esp during the Civil War

---

adjective

1. of, resembling, or relating to Unionists

unionist ² British  

/ ˈjuːnjənɪst /

noun

1. a supporter or advocate of unionism or union

2. a member of a trade union

---

adjective

1. of or relating to union or unionism, esp trade unionism

Other Word Forms

• prounionist
  adjective
• unionistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of unionist

First recorded in 1790–1800; union + -ist

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unionist Unionist

He worked as a shoeshine boy and peanut vendor before becoming a metalworker and trade unionist.

From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026

The former metalworker and unionist made a dramatic comeback when he returned to power three years ago after a stint in jail on corruption charges that were later dismissed, and two previous terms from 2003-2010.

From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026

Bonfires are lit every year in some unionist areas of Northern Ireland ahead of the Orange Order's parades, which are traditionally held on 12 July to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, Lockhart wrote that she was in Scarva alongside other unionist representatives and community leaders.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

The rumor in the village was that before he joined the Force and grew his mustache, he was a trade unionist.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said that with "more money must come with greater responsibility".

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

A new health minister for Northern Ireland is expected to be announced later following the resignation of Ulster Unionist Mike Nesbitt from the post.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Trevor Wilson said the independent review was about seeking "equality"

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

The MP for the area, Jim Allister of the Traditional Unionist Voice, said it added an "extra dimension of horror" knowing that an eight-year-old girl had died.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Mudd solved his problem by sending his cousin George, a loyal Unionist and therefore above suspicion by the federal authorities, to town to report Booth’s visit to Mudd’s farm.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson