noun
Uncommon
allegiance
uh-LEE-juhns
Allegiance (noun) means Loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group. Example: “New citizens swear an oath of allegiance to the country.”
noun
1
Loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group.
"It was always going to be a hot occasion for Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, the one-time Ireland internationals who subsequently switched their allegiances."
— David Hytner, Rice and Grealish start new England era with Nations League victory in Ireland (2024)
"New citizens swear an oath of allegiance to the country."
"He switched his allegiance from one football club to another."
"Her allegiance to the team never wavered, even during a long losing season."
How to use allegiance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLoyal support and commitment to something, especially a country, ruler, or organisation.
Common pairings
pledge allegiance
swear allegiance
shift allegiance
allegiance to the crown
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Word forms
- Plural
- allegiances
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New citizens swear an oath of _____ to the country.
Etymology
From Old French ligeance, describing the loyalty a vassal owed to his lord — the root also survives in the word "liege."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for allegiance
See all rhymes for allegiance →Frequently asked questions
What does “allegiance” mean?
The word “allegiance” means loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group. In plain terms, loyal support and commitment to something, especially a country, ruler, or organisation.
How do you pronounce “allegiance”?
“Allegiance” is pronounced uh-LEE-juhns (/əˈliː.d͡ʒəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “allegiance” in a sentence?
Here is “allegiance” used in a sentence: “New citizens swear an oath of allegiance to the country.”
What part of speech is “allegiance”?
“Allegiance” is a noun.
Where does the word “allegiance” come from?
The word “allegiance” comes from Old French. From Old French ligeance, describing the loyalty a vassal owed to his lord — the root also survives in the word "liege.".
Is “allegiance” a common word?
“Allegiance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "allegiance" and "loyalty"?
"Allegiance" specifically refers to a duty or loyalty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group, often with a formal or sworn quality, as in a pledge of allegiance. "Loyalty" is a broader term that can apply to relationships or friendships without necessarily implying a formal obligation.
Do you say "allegiance to" or "allegiance with"?
"Allegiance to" is the correct and standard construction, as in "allegiance to one's country." "Allegiance with" is not idiomatic usage.
What is a common phrase using "allegiance"?
A well-known example is the "Pledge of Allegiance," a formal statement of loyalty to a country, which illustrates how the word typically describes duty owed to a nation, leader, or cause.
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