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.
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
He values loyalty like he appreciates his next breath, so while others made the case for Oli McBurnie, Oliver Burke, Kieron Bowie, Stephen Welsh and others, Clarke would barely have noticed.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
Others view Maryland’s loyalty program carve-out as a win, like the Chamber of Progress, a trade group representing grocery and industry interests.
From Salon • May 18, 2026
It shows our devotion and loyalty to Islam.
From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin
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.
