loyalty
Americannoun
noun
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the state or quality of being loyal
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(often plural) a feeling of allegiance
Related Words
Loyalty, allegiance, fidelity all imply a sense of duty or of devoted attachment to something or someone. Loyalty connotes sentiment and the feeling of devotion that one holds for one's country, creed, family, friends, etc. Allegiance applies particularly to a citizen's duty to their country, or, by extension, one's obligation to support a party, cause, leader, etc. Fidelity implies unwavering devotion and allegiance to a person, principle, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of loyalty
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English loialte, from Middle French. See loyal, -ty 2
Explanation
A person who feels loyalty to a nation, cause, or person feels a sense of allegiance, commitment, dedication toward them. Loyalty is — you guessed it! — the quality of being loyal. People demonstrate their loyalty to a sports team by cheering for it, win or lose. People demonstrate their loyalty to a political party by voting only for the people of that party. Brand loyalty is the notion (or hope) that once consumers identify strongly with a particular brand or product, like a car or computer, they'll stick with that brand or maker when it comes time to buy new products.
Vocabulary lists containing loyalty
American Naturalization Test, List 2
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Allegiant
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Medieval Christendom, Lessons 3–5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Don’t forget about loyalty programs as well as the holiday promotions many grocery stores will be offering this weekend.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
Bath & Body Works last year said it would increase its emphasis on brand marketing, for example, after an overreliance on discounts and promotions to drive sales eroded its brand loyalty and price integrity.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Long term, the company could also expand its beverages and snacks menu, modernize the digital ordering system, and enhance personalized loyalty programs.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
During Clarke's near seven-year reign, supporters have learned to expect fierce loyalty and little change, but there are still a few tight calls for seats on the plane to the United States of America.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
On the US home front, however, some Americans expressed doubts about Powers's loyalty.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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.
