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 Although her loyalties stand with best friend Teresa, Jennifer A. is finally in a good place with the friend group, especially Melissa and Margaret. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 If their loyalties are malleable, why should fans be held to a different standard? Steven Leckart, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Target’s new program is an outgrowth of its existing free loyalty program, Target Circle, which the company said has more than 100 million members. Marisa Gerber, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Looking to beef up your hotel loyalty program account totals? Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2024 The split isn’t about loyalty to Trump – that much is clear from the former president winning 98% of the delegate’s votes. USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024 Applicants must demonstrate team leadership, loyalty, love of the game, giving back to others and courage. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 In what some are calling a post-truth world, skepticism is going to grow, so authenticity will be vital to maintaining brand loyalty. Bart Caylor, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Taking a contemporary view of this ferocious tale of power and loyalty, these infamous characters face the consequences of betrayal and the brutal nature of tyranny. Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loyalty.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near loyalty

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalty. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!