loyalist

[ loi-uh-list ]

noun

1. a person who is loyal; a supporter of the sovereign or of the existing government, especially in time of revolt.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) a person who remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution; Tory.
3. (initial capital letter) an adherent of the republic during the Spanish Civil War, opposed to Franco.

Loyalist

¹

/ ˈlɔɪəlɪst /

noun

1. (in Northern Ireland) any of the Protestants wishing to retain Ulster's link with Britain
2. (in North America) an American colonist who supported Britain during the War of American Independence
3. (in Canada) short for United Empire Loyalist
4. (during the Spanish Civil War) a supporter of the republican government

loyalist

²

/ ˈlɔɪəlɪst /

noun

1. a patriotic supporter of his sovereign or government

Derived Forms

• ˈloyalism, noun

Other Words From

• loyal·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of loyalist¹

First recorded in 1640–50; loyal + -ist

Example Sentences

Maybe she's also a stand-in for a nation perpetually haunted by the Troubles, the violent escalation between Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestant loyalists through which “Say Nothing” travels.

From Salon

Gaetz, a Trump loyalist, resigned from his House seat on Wednesday, effectively ending the ethics investigation that has harried him for years, a Republican official familiar with the matter told The New York Times.

From Salon

Musk threw millions behind Donald Trump's successful re-election bid, and was hotly tipped for a role in the administration that has so far rewarded loyalists.

From BBC

"Trump is looking to surround himself with loyalists in his new administration, and there’s no one who’s been more loyal than Musk since he announced his endorsement for Trump," says Prof Gift.

From BBC

This time, he has a wealth of prospective candidates with proven track records of supporting him and after eight years, Trump loyalists are the Republican establishment.

From BBC

Related Words

• follower