ally

¹ American  

[uh-lahy, al-ahy, uh-lahy] / əˈlaɪ, ˈæl aɪ, əˈlaɪ /

verb (used with object)

allied, allying

1. to unite formally, as by treaty, league, marriage, or the like (usually followed by with orto ).

   Russia allied itself to France.

   Synonyms:

   wed, combine, join, unify

2. to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship.

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verb (used without object)

allied, allying

1. to enter into an alliance; join; unite.

noun

plural

allies

1. a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose.

   Canada and the United States were allies in World War II.

   Synonyms:

   confederate, partner

   Antonyms:

   adversary, foe, enemy

2. Biology. a plant, animal, or other organism bearing an evolutionary relationship to another, often as a member of the same family.

   The squash is an ally of the watermelon.

3. a person who associates or cooperates with another; supporter.

   Synonyms:

   helper, assistant, auxiliary, coadjutor, colleague, abettor, accessory, accomplice, aide, friend

   Antonyms:

   adversary, foe, enemy

4. a person who advocates for or supports a marginalized or politicized group but is not a member of the group: As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

   Straight allies speak up for the LGBTQ community.

   As a man, how can I be a good ally to women in the struggle for gender equality?

-ally ² American  

1. an adverbial suffix attached to certain adjectives with stems in -ic that have no forms ending in -ical: terrifically.

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ally British  

verb

1. to unite or be united, esp formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage

2. (tr; usually passive) to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible

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noun

1. a country, person, or group allied with another

2. a plant, animal, substance, etc, closely related to another in characteristics or form

Usage

What else does ally mean? An ally is someone that aligns with and supports a cause with another individual or group of people. A straight ally, more specifically, is an individual outside of the LGBTQ community that supports their fight for equality and rights.

Other Word Forms

• alliable adjective
• preally noun

Etymology

Origin of ally¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English alien, from Anglo-French alal(l)ierier, aillaier, Old French alier, from Latin alligāre “to bind to”; see alloy

Origin of -ally²

-al ¹ + -ly

Explanation

If you have an ally, you have someone who is on your side, like a more experienced teammate who is your ally in convincing the coach to give you more playing time. Ally comes from the Latin word alligare, meaning "to bind to," like nations who are allies in wartime — they will act together, and protect one another. You can also use ally as a verb, meaning "join forces with." For example, you might ally yourself with influential people to advance your career. As a noun, pronounce ally like this: "AL-eye." As a verb, it's "uh-LIE."

Example Sentences

It can be a competitor, a political ally or a stranger with a random grievance.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Taiwan announced Tuesday that Lai was postponing his trip to Eswatini -- the island's only diplomatic ally in Africa -- after "Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar unexpectedly and without prior notice revoked the charter's overflight permits."

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Justice Samuel Alito wrote a dissent—in a rare disagreement with his usual ally Thomas—joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

Growing ties between Russia and China are fueling Moscow’s ambitions, it said, adding that Russia can count on China as an ally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

In vain did Bolivia counterattack with its ally, Peru; Chile simply repelled their incompetently led forces and took over the entire territory, as well as a chunk of southern Peru.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• associate
• colleague
• friend
• partner