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

Other Word Forms

• unionistic adjective
• prounionist adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unionist¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; union + -ist

Example Sentences

How to deal with the painful legacy of the conflict remains a thorny issue for both pro-Irish nationalists and unionists, who support Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK.

Read more on Barron's

However, the move will fail as it requires cross-community support from unionists and nationalists in the assembly.

Read more on BBC

The DUP minister was among a number of local unionists politicians who took part in the six-day trip which was organised by the Israeli government.

Read more on BBC

Paul Givan is among a group of unionist politicians who are on a six-day tour of Israel which the minister called a "fact-finding mission".

Read more on BBC

On Friday, a group of labor unionists and activists gathered outside the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal