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coalition

n.
US //ˌkoʊəˈɫɪʃən// UK //kˌəʊəlˈɪʃən// coali·tion
  1. 1 general group or union (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a group of different organizations or people who work together to achieve something.

    a union or combination of diverse entities, such as NGOs or interest groups, cooperating for a specific social or economic objective.

    Example

    A coalition of environmental groups is protesting the new highway project.

    Example

    The local coalition of small business owners successfully lobbied the council to provide more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the city centre.
  2. 2 Australian political party (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Dialect Politics

    the name for the alliance between the Liberal and National parties in Australia.

    the formal, long-term alliance of the Liberal Party of Australia and the National Party of Australia.

    Example

    The Coalition won the election and will form the next government.

    Example

    Political analysts suggest that the Coalition may struggle to maintain its rural voter base in the upcoming federal election.

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  1. 3 a group of cheetahs (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the special word used for a group of cheetahs.

    the collective noun specifically designated for a group of cheetahs, typically composed of brothers.

    Example

    A coalition of three male cheetahs was seen hunting together on the plain.

    Example

    Unlike most solitary cats, male cheetahs often form a permanent coalition to better defend their territory against rivals.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French coalition, from Medieval Latin coalitiō, coalitiōnem, from Latin coalitus.

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