noun
republican
rih-PUHB-lih-kuhn
noun
1
A person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch.
"He was a lifelong republican, opposed to any return of the monarchy."
"Republicans across Europe pushed for elected heads of state."
2
(capitalized) A member or supporter of the Republican Party in the United States.
"She has voted Republican in every election since 1990."
"The Republican candidate won the state by a narrow margin."
3
In Ireland, someone who supports a united, independent Ireland.
"Republican sentiment remained strong in parts of Northern Ireland."
How to Use Republican
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who favors government without a monarch, or (capitalized) a member of the US Republican Party.
UK vs US
Capitalize "Republican" when referring to the American political party; lowercase "republican" describes the general political stance of opposing monarchy.
Common pairings
Republican Party
staunch republican
republican movement
Word Forms
republicans plural, Republicans plural
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Etymology
From republic plus the adjective ending -an, reinforced by French républicain.