coalition

American  

[koh-uh-lish-uhn] / ˌkoʊ əˈlɪʃ ən /

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.

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coalition British  

/ 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

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coalition Cultural  

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

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of coalition

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

Example Sentences

Crédit Agricole said in a note that the ruling coalition was likely to win since public support for the Takaichi government, which was formed following a party vote in October, is high.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Jordanian army said Saturday's strikes "were coordinated with partners within the framework of the international coalition... to neutralise the capabilities of terrorist groups and prevent them from reorganising".

From Barron's

In Altadena, a coalition of lawmakers, survivors and advocates at the Collaboratory community center set the tone for the second year of recovery.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, forces loyal to the government have largely retaken control of Hadramawt and al-Mahra with the help of coalition air strikes.

From BBC

However, his plane was delayed and he was not on board when it departed, the coalition said.

From Barron's