noun
league
LEEG/liːɡ/
An association formed for a shared purpose.
The local soccer league sets rules for all its teams.
Etymology
The root meaning “to bind” gives league its image of separate parties joined in an alliance. Originally used for alliances among nations, the word broadened to political, sporting, and other associations.
In context
we partner with two Premier League teams, Burnley Football Club and Chelsea Football Club.
Sadat's bold move led to Egypt's expulsion from the Arab League…
More examples
- The conservation league campaigns to protect the city's wetlands.
- Several towns form a league to improve public transportation.
- Two youth leagues share the baseball fields.
Forms
league · leagues
Similar words
- association
- A broader term for an organization sharing interests or goals.
- alliance
- Emphasizes cooperation between otherwise independent groups, organizations, or nations.
- coalition
- Usually unites separate groups temporarily around a specific goal.