coalition

noun

co·​a·​li·​tion ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən How to pronounce coalition (audio)
1
a
: the act of coalescing : union
the coalition of water vapor into raindrops
b
: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination
They formed a coalition with downtown merchants.
2
: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action
A multiparty coalition ruled the country.
coalitionist noun

Examples of coalition in a Sentence

The groups united to form a coalition. A multiparty coalition ruled the country. The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.
Recent Examples on the Web The coalition of hotels involved in talks with the union welcomed the deal. John Antczak, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2024 At the time the investment was made, a coalition of countries led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had established a diplomatic and economic blockade against Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorist groups across the Middle East. Jonathan O'Connell, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2024 The coalition’s letter was co-signed by local environmental advocacy groups, TreesLouisville, the local Sierra Club chapter, the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, and others. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 25 Mar. 2024 The Supreme Court will be hearing two cases consolidated together, including FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, in which a coalition of antiabortion activists filed a suit challenging the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, asking for it to be removed from the market. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 25 Mar. 2024 At the latest of the now weekly anti-government protests in central Tel Aviv, thousands again marched down Kaplan Street, blocking traffic along major intersections, demonstrating against Netanyahu’s coalition. Clarissa Ward, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 But the rule is expected to face an immediate legal challenge by a coalition of fossil fuel companies and Republican attorneys general, complaints that are likely to wind their way to the Supreme Court. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Under current laws, new commissioners are recommended to the Governor by a coalition of hunting and angling groups. Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2024 But the principle has been weakened in recent years as more center-right parties have proven willing to build coalitions with more extremist groups. Christian Edwards, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024

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

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coalition was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near coalition

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

coalition

noun
co·​ali·​tion
ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən
: a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on coalition

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!