affiliates; affiliated; affiliating
: to closely connect (something or yourself) with or to something (such as a program or organization) as a member or partner
Their group does not affiliate itself with/to any political party.
—often used as (be) affiliatedTheir group is not affiliated with/to any political party.
The medical school is affiliated with/to several hospitals.
plural affiliates
: an organization (such as a television station) that is a member of a larger organization (such as a national network)
the network's local affiliates
Two of the company's regional affiliates lost money in the past year.
Cite this Entry
“Affiliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/affiliate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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