populist

[ pop-yuh-list ]

noun

1. a supporter or adherent of populism.
2. (initial capital letter) a member of the People's party.

adjective

1. Also popu·listic. of, relating to, or characteristic of populism or its adherents.
2. (initial capital letter) Also Popu·listic. of or relating to the People's party.

Populist

¹

/ ˈpɒpjʊlɪst /

noun

1. history a member of the People's Party, formed largely by agrarian interests to contest the 1892 presidential election. The movement gradually dissolved after the 1904 election

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or relating to the People's Party, the Populists, or any individual or movement with similar aims

populist

²

/ ˈpɒpjʊlɪst /

adjective

1. appealing to the interests or prejudices of ordinary people

noun

1. a person, esp a politician, who appeals to the interests or prejudices of ordinary people

Derived Forms

• ˈPopulism, noun

Other Words From

• anti-popu·list noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of populist¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1890–95; from Latin popul(us) “people” ( people, popular ) + -ist

Example Sentences

On the radio in 2016, Kennedy attacked Trump’s populist playbook, comparing him to European dictators like Francisco Franco and Benito Mussolini, as well as American white supremacists George Wallace and Father Charles Coughlin.

From Salon

Around the world, populist autocrats have leveraged the thrilling power of that promise to transform their countries into vehicles for their own singular will.

From Salon

While less populist than Chuku’s, these restaurants also meld African flavors with Western traditions.

From New York Times

In the wake of the Democrats' total collapse in the 2024 election, losing the House, the Senate and the presidency, the party has erupted into infighting between its establishment and and more populist wings.

From Salon

Ultimately, Donald Trump was able to channel the public’s grievances into his own personal grievances and ride a wave of populist rage into the White House for a second time.

From Salon

Related Words

• autonomous
• constitutional
• egalitarian
• free
• orderly
• popular