voluntary association

American  

noun

1. a group of individuals joined together on the basis of mutual interest or common objectives, especially a business group that is not organized or constituted as a legal entity.

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Example Sentences

Against a backdrop of war in the Middle East and Ukraine, the King will commend the unifying force of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 countries.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

There were also some questions about whether the loss of the long-reigning monarch might affect the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 nations that, in many cases, have historic and linguistic ties to Britain.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 25, 2022

It is a voluntary association of 54 countries that evolved gradually from the British Empire and has existed in its modern form since 1949.

From Reuters • Jun. 23, 2022

“I am terrified that we are breaching our long-standing position of having a being a voluntary association of independent churches,” Mr. Knott said.

From Washington Times • Jun. 5, 2022

This assumed right is most tenaciously held and is one of the most dangerous expedients ever adopted by a voluntary association.

From 30,000 Locked Out. The Great Strike of the Building Trades in Chicago. by Beeks, James C.