# unionist

/ˈjunjənəst/ (US) · /jˈuːniənˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a person who supports a group of workers who join together to get better pay and conditions. It can also mean someone who wants different countries or regions to stay together as one political group.

For teachers: an advocate for the formation or maintenance of a union, specifically in the context of trade unions or political federations. Often carries specific regional connotations in Northern Ireland or historical contexts like the American Civil War.

## Examples

- The unionist spoke at the meeting about workers' rights.
- As a dedicated unionist, she spent her weekends organizing local factory workers to negotiate for safer working conditions.
- The political landscape was deeply divided between those seeking independence and the unionists who argued that remaining part of the larger federation provided essential economic stability.

## Usage notes

- Capitalized when referring to a specific political party or historical faction.

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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.