loyalty

noun

loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
plural loyalties
: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal
the loyalty of the team's fans
Choose the Right Synonym for loyalty

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty.

fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of loyalty in a Sentence

the loyalty of the team's fans there was no denying that dog's loyalty to his master
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your ability to fully engage with your team, even for a few minutes, can build trust and loyalty far faster than long meetings filled with distractions. Dr. Eric George, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The luxury hotel titans appearing on this year’s list of readers’ favorite hotel brands have earned the admiration and loyalty of T+L readers by surpassing expectations at every turn, from top-tier accommodations to personalized service that makes every guest feel at home. Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 At the checkout and after entering your Kroger loyalty ID or scanning a loyalty card, shoppers can scan a barcode on the flyer that downloads all the Weekly Digital Deals offered that week at once to the customer's loyalty card. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 8 July 2025 Without Trump's unique personal loyalty among working-class supporters, other Republicans will struggle to maintain a coalition built on contradictions between populist messaging and plutocratic governance. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English leawte, lewte, from Anglo-French lealté, leauté, from leal, leial loyal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyalty was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalty. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

loyalty

noun
loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
plural loyalties
: the quality or state of being loyal

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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