joined, as by treaty, agreement, or marriage; united
of the same type or class; related
A Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at ally, -ed 2
Allied means united or joined together. If two countries are allied, they are on the same side and have common interests. When two people are allied, they are friendly — or at least cooperative. To be allied means to have an agreement to work together, so when politicians are allied on a bill, they've pledged to join forces and unite for a common cause. In a war, allied countries are fighting on the same side. Allied comes from ally, which first meant "join in marriage," from the Latin root alligare, "bind to."
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Investigating active government officials in Mexico is a new strategy for the United States, which in the past refrained from targeting sitting leaders in allied countries with criminal investigations because of the clear political ramifications.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
This ad hoc demand puzzled the Saudis and other rulers—who consider themselves allied with the U.S. and who are hoping for an end to the war.
From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026
By contrast, the 74-year-old Cornyn served in the Senate Republican leadership from 2012-24 and is viewed as a party loyalist – albeit one more allied to the Republican establishment.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
Taiwan’s importance to U.S. and allied economic strength may be without historical precedent: a relatively small island that anchors the world’s most important technology stack.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
“The Dauntless have allied with the factionless,” she says.
From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
