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

Derived Forms

• coalitioner
  noun
• coalitional
  adjective
• 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; see coalesce

Explanation

A coalition is a group of people who join together for a common cause, like a coalition you form with other skateboarders who want to convince your town to build a skate park. The noun coalition comes from the Latin word coalitiō, meaning "to grow together." Often, the people and groups that form coalitions have different backgrounds but come together because they share a goal. For example, parents, teachers, business owners, and city council members might form a coalition to build a teen center, just as nations that do not agree on all issues might form a coalition because they all want peace.

Example Sentences

The coalition will consist of Frederiksen's Social Democrats, the Socialist People's Party, the centre-left Radikale Venstre and the centrist Moderates, according to a statement from the palace.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The coalition, which helps companies including Walgreens and American Express track and manage medical spending, said that reflects more patients, more hours of service and higher prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The Bradley coalition was “a spent force,” Sonenshein said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Sally Pillay and Megan Anandarangam, of Eyes on ICE NJ, a grassroots anti-detention coalition, showed up long before the cameras arrived.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

Malik’s with Shana and some of the other kids from the coalition.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas