voluntary association

American  

noun

1. a group of individuals joined together on the basis of mutual interest or common objectives, especially a business group that is not organized or constituted as a legal entity.

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Example Sentences

Against a backdrop of war in the Middle East and Ukraine, the King will commend the unifying force of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 countries.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, most of which have historical ties to the United Kingdom and its former empire.

From Washington Times • Oct. 11, 2023

It is a voluntary association of 54 countries that evolved gradually from the British Empire and has existed in its modern form since 1949.

From Reuters • Jun. 23, 2022

Whatever the former colonies decide about their continuing relationship with the crown, William said he wanted to continue serving them through the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 countries with historical links to Britain.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2022

In 1639, the people formed themselves into a body politic by a voluntary association.

From Log-book of Timothy Boardman Kept On Board The Privateer Oliver Cromwell, During A Cruise From New London, Ct., to Charleston, S. C., And Return, In 1778; Also, A Biographical Sketch of The Author. by Boardman, Timothy