coalition

[ koh-uh-lish-uhn ]
/ ˌkoʊ əˈlɪʃ ən /

noun

a combination or alliance, especially a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc.
a union into one body or mass; fusion.

Origin of coalition

1605–15; < Latin coalitiōn- (stem of coalitiō), equivalent to coalit(us), past participle of coalēscere ( co- co- + ali-, past participle stem of alere to nourish + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion; see coalesce

OTHER WORDS FROM coalition

co·a·li·tion·al, adjective co·a·li·tion·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for coalition

British Dictionary definitions for coalition

coalition
/ (ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃən) /

noun

  1. an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp for some temporary and specific reason
  2. (as modifier)a coalition government
a fusion or merging into one body or mass

Derived forms of coalition

coalitional, adjective coalitionist or coalitioner, noun

Word Origin for coalition

C17: from Medieval Latin coalitiō, from Latin coalēscere to coalesce

Cultural definitions for coalition

coalition

An alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common foe or pursue a common goal.

notes for coalition

In countries with many political parties, none of which can get a majority of the citizens' votes, the only way an effective government can be formed is by a coalition of parties. Such coalitions are often unstable.