alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
1
a
: the state of being allied : the action of allying
nations in close alliance
b
: a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals
a closer alliance between government and industry
2
: an association to further the common interests of the members
specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty
the alliance of Western nations
3
: union by relationship in qualities : affinity
an alliance of industry and academia
4
: a treaty of alliance

Examples of alliance in a Sentence

We need to form a closer alliance between government and industry. strengthen the alliance of western nations There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world. The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media. one nation working in alliance with another There is disagreement within the alliance about how to deal with this problem.
Recent Examples on the Web The alliance probably will not be a traditional majority coalition, in which the biggest parties of the country form a majority in the House of Representatives, agree on a coalition arrangement and then start governing together. Claire Moses, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The bill has revealed unconventional alliances in Washington. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alliance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alliance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see ally entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of alliance was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near alliance

Cite this Entry

“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliance. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alliance

noun
al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
1
: the state of being allied
2
a
: a union between persons, families, or parties
b
: a union between nations for assistance and protection
3
: a treaty of alliance

Geographical Definition

Alliance

geographical name

Al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce Alliance (audio)
city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322

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