(in World War I) the powers of the Triple Entente (Great Britain, France, Russia), with the nations allied with them (Belgium, Serbia, Japan, Italy, etc., not including the United States), or, loosely, with all the nations (including the United States) allied or associated with them as opposed to the Central Powers.
the 26 nations that fought against the Axis in World War II and, with subsequent additions, signed the charter of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945.
the member nations of NATO.
(in World War I) the powers of the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) together with the nations allied with them
(in World War II) the countries that fought against the Axis. The main Allied powers were Britain and the Commonwealth countries, the US, the Soviet Union, France, China, and Poland See also Axis
Plural of ally
How does allies compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
In war, allies are friends — specifically, friendly nations — you can trust. Allies are on your side. The main meaning of this word comes from war. Without allies, a country is going to be all alone in a war. Like many other words of war, this term spread beyond the battlefield. A politician trying to pass a law is going to need allies, probably in both political parties. Any time there's a disagreement or conflict, it helps to have allies: if you don't, you're all alone.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We remain committed to NATO’s collective defense and clear-eyed about the need for Allies to increase their capabilities to deter all threats to…
From Salon ● Sep. 7, 2026
This would prove crucial in July 1943 when the Allies launched their attack on Sicily and were initially bogged down by Nazi artillery at Gela, the primary invasion beach.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
During World War II, the Allies attacked Germany’s synthetic-fuel plants, refineries, aircraft factories, rail networks and transportation system.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
Allies hope to avoid a blow-up in Turkey by showcasing new spending and deals, and lavishing on hospitality.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
As the United States continued to apply pressure, South America tilted toward the Allies.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Also over the weekend, members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies agreed to keep oil production unchanged in October from September after increasing output for six months in a row.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 7, 2026
In real life, one of his allies is his other aunt Amy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026
Since World War II, the U.S. pursued trade liberalization as a goal in and of itself, a way to generate mutual benefit and strengthen ties with allies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
Still, the two counties have long been defence partners and allies, including when Canada backed the US in the war in Afghanistan.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
What if the Soviets stepped in to defend their allies?
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
