populist UK /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lɪst/US /ˈpɑ.pjə.lɪst/adjective 3noun 3forms 3 adjective3 •Put forward just because it would be popular. •Of or pertaining to populism. •Democratic. noun3 •A person who advocates populism (a movement against ruling elites who are presumed not to act in the interests of the ordinary citizen).Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home. — 2013 •A politician who advocates specific policies just because they are popular. •A person who advocates democratic principles. formspopulists · more populist · most populist