English Reference
Noun

loyalist

n. countable
C1 Advanced US /ˈɫɔɪəɫɪst/ UK /lˈɔɪəlˌɪst/ loy·al·ist UK spelling loyalists

n.someone who stays faithful to their government, leader, or country, especially during a war or revolution. You use this to describe a person who refuses to join a rebellion.

n.a person who remains faithful to an established government, political party, or sovereign, particularly during times of revolt or civil unrest. Often used in historical contexts to identify those who opposed revolutionary movements.


SIMPLE

The loyalist refused to join the rebel army.

CONTEXTUAL

During the civil war, the loyalist faction remained in the capital to defend the president against the uprising.

COMPLEX

Historians often examine the motivations of the loyalist population, who frequently faced property seizure and social exile for their continued allegiance to the crown during the revolutionary period.

Usage

Often used as a collective noun in political or historical analysis.

The move shows that Fedorov has been shut out from government permanently, and confirms his transition from trusted insider and Zelenskyy loyalist to a potent political opponent.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

Mulligan’s New York City clothing shop attracted high-status patrons, including loyalists and British officers.

Smithsonian Magazine· 1 Jul 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated