unionist

[ yoon-yuh-nist ]

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

/ 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

ˈunionist

²

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌunionˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• union·istic adjective
• pro·union·ist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unionist¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; union + -ist

Example Sentences

The DUP and other unionist parties have argued the vote creates a democratic deficit as the concerns of unionists, who are in the minority at Stormont, can be ignored.

From BBC

The Windsor Framework was agreed in 2023 following unionist concerns over trade checks under the original post-Brexit deal, the Northern Ireland Protocol.

From BBC

With Smith facing likely defeat and, with it, possibly the end of his leadership, he turned to Prescott - the lifelong trade unionist - to win over waverers.

From BBC

But, the DUP has argued the vote creates a democratic deficit as the concerns of unionists who are in the minority at Stormont can be ignored.

From BBC

He could still be a thorn in the side of both unionist opponents and former nationalist allies.

From BBC