The noun MINIMALIST has 2 senses: 1. a conservative who advocates only minor reforms in government or politics. 2. a practitioner or advocate of artistic minimalism. Familiarity information: MINIMALIST used as a noun is rare. • MINIMALIST (adjective) The adjective MINIMALIST has 2 senses: 1. of or relating to artistic minimalism. 2. advocating minimal reforms (as in government or politics) Familiarity information: MINIMALIST used as an adjective is rare.