# loyalist

/ˈɫɔɪəɫɪst/ (US) · /lˈɔɪəlˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loyalist
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The loyalist refused to join the rebel army.
- During the civil war, the loyalist faction remained in the capital to defend the president against the uprising.
- 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 notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.