federalist

[fed-er-uh-list]

noun

1. an advocate of federalism.

2. (initial capital letter),  a member or supporter of the Federalist party.

adjective

1. Also federalistic of federalism or the Federalists.

Federalist

/ ˈfɛdərəlɪst /

noun

1. a supporter or member of the Federalist party

adjective

1. characteristic of the Federalists

Other Word Forms

• hyperfederalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Federalist¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; federal + -ist

Example Sentences

The very first Virginia congressional maps in 1788 were drawn to ensure that James Madison, the Federalist candidate, would face James Monroe, an anti-Federalist, who would, it was thought, win.

From Salon

The Federalist Society began grooming young law students for future roles.

From Salon

Ian Millhiser of Vox attended a Federalist Society gathering and found the conservative legal community "far more ambivalent about their president’s second term than one might expect after such a fruitful partnership."

From Salon

But the whole Federalist Society crowd, some of them are absolutely pushing to make it easier for rich public figures to sue and win.

From Los Angeles Times

He is also an active member of the Federalist Society, a right-wing legal network that in turn lauds him as a "fixture in the conservative movement."

From Salon