Unionist
|u-ni-on-ist|
/ˈjuːniənɪst/
supporter or member of a union
Etymology
'Unionist' is an English formation from the noun 'union' + the agent suffix '-ist', where 'union' comes (via Old French) from Latin 'unio' (from 'unus' meaning 'one') and '-ist' denotes 'one who practices or is concerned with'.
'Union' entered English from Old French 'union' (from Latin 'unio, unionis'); the English noun 'union' was used in Middle English as 'unioun'. The compound form 'unionist' arose in the 19th century to denote an adherent of a union (labor or political).
Originally tied to the idea of 'oneness' from Latin and used for the concept of joining, 'unionist' has come to mean specifically 'a supporter or member of a union' in both labor and political contexts; the core sense of support for joining/union has been retained while contexts broadened.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is a member of or supports a trade union (labor union).
Unionist spoke at the factory meeting in favor of a new collective-bargaining agreement.
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Noun 2
a person who supports the political union of two or more territories or nations (e.g., a supporter of the United Kingdom remaining united or a supporter of the Union during the American Civil War).
Unionist campaigned across the region to argue against independence and for remaining part of the union.
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Noun 3
a member or supporter of a political party or movement named the Unionist Party or similar (capitalized when referring to a specific party or official title).
Unionist was elected to the local council as the candidate of the Unionist Party.
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Last updated: 2025/10/08 18:28