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

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

But one thing seems unlikely to change: his dislike of patient, principled diplomacy as a means to peace and his preference for transactional politics and populist gestures.

From BBC

Some say Vice President Harris spent too much time singing “Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy” while ignoring serious populist issues.

From Salon

Related Words

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