coalition

[ koh-uh-lish-uhn ]

noun

1. a combination or alliance, especially a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc.

   Synonyms: league, partnership

2. a union into one body or mass; fusion.

coalition

/ ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp for some temporary and specific reason
   2. ( as modifier )

      a coalition government

2. a fusion or merging into one body or mass

coalition

1. An alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common foe or pursue a common goal.

Notes

In countries with many political parties, none of which can get a majority of the citizens' votes, the only way an effective government can be formed is by a coalition of parties. Such coalitions are often unstable.

Derived Forms

• ˌcoaˈlitionist, noun
• ˌcoaˈlitional, adjective

Other Words From

• coa·lition·al adjective
• coa·lition·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalition¹

1605–15; < Latin coalitiōn- (stem of coalitiō ), equivalent to coalit ( us ), past participle of coalēscere ( co- co- + ali-, past participle stem of alere to nourish + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion; coalesce

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalition¹

C17: from Medieval Latin coalitiō, from Latin coalēscere to coalesce

Example Sentences

His New Deal Coalition brought together Southerners, Northern ethnic minorities, and urban blacks under the same banner.

From The Daily Beast

As part of the MassEquality coalition, Marc Solomon, a former Senate aide, was working to get Bay State legislators to vote no.

From The Daily Beast

But taking such action puts them at odds with the most powerful and best-organized segment of their coalition.

From The Daily Beast

U.S.-led coalition airstrikes recently have been increased on Raqqa.

From The Daily Beast

On one night earlier this month, the coalition launched 30 strikes on the town.

From The Daily Beast

That it was his determination to hazard all things rather than chill the coalition.

From Project Gutenberg

Certain elements of the press, long under political dominion, were preparing to come out for a coalition ministry.

From Project Gutenberg

In February, 1778, it was believed that he and Bute were engaged on some scheme of coalition which might again put him in power.

From Project Gutenberg

He had no love for Shelburne, but he hated Fox, and determined if possible to avoid falling into the hands of the coalition.

From Project Gutenberg

All except Stormont belonged to the party of Fox, the dominant partner in the coalition.

From Project Gutenberg