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.

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.

Other Word Forms

• coalitional adjective
• coalitioner noun
• coalitionist 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

Some formed coalitions to come up with their own public-health guidance.

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A number of medical groups and state coalitions released separate Covid vaccine recommendations this year.

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She must unite her fractious Liberal Democratic Party and find coalition partners that give her a solid majority in Parliament.

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Vie has built a coalition of nonprofits, including the Scleroderma Research Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, with a goal of knitting together expertise in these diseases, said Evnin, a senior adviser to Vie.

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In three weeks his Liberty Advances coalition faces the Oct.

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