English Reference
noun

coalition

n.
US /ˌkoʊəˈɫɪʃən/ UK /kˌəʊəlˈɪʃən/ coali·tion UK spelling coalitions

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The local coalition of small business owners successfully lobbied the council to provide more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the city centre.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced American EnglishDialect 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage coalition government

But the decision was condemned by a far-left party that is a junior member of the ruling coalition.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026

The non-state armed group – formally known as Ansar Allah and backed by Iran – has been battling Yemeni Government forces, who are backed by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition, for more than a decade.

UN News· 12 Aug 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin coalitus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated