1 loyal | Definition of loyal
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

loyal

adjective
loy·​al | \ ˈlȯi(-É™)l How to pronounce loyal (audio) \

Definition of loyal

1 : unswerving in allegiance: such as
a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government were loyal to the king
b : faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due a loyal husband
c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product a loyal churchgoer loyal to the party of their forebears— Dennis Farney
2 : showing loyalty a loyal friend
3 obsolete : lawful, legitimate
Other Words from loyal Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about loyal

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from loyal

loyally \ ˈlȯi-​É™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce loyally (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for loyal

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted. faithful to her promise loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray. remained loyal to the czar constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows. constant friends staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it. a staunch defender of free speech steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction. steadfast in their support resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose. a resolute ally

Examples of loyal in a Sentence

The team has many loyal fans. She has provided the company with many years of loyal service.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Inside Rome, the Spoleto faction loyal to Lambert rebelled and imprisoned Pope Formosus in the Castel Sant’Angelo. — National Geographic, "In 897, the corpse of a pope was exhumed—to be put on trial.," 20 Aug. 2019 As a result, Reed gets to hand-pick members of the party’s executive committee — people loyal to him and Worley. — al, "Hey DNC, Alabama Democrats need an intervention," 16 Aug. 2019 Assassinated on this spot, shot 16 times by French soldiers loyal to the Nazis. — James Mcauley, Town & Country, "The Haunting of Paris: Georges Mandel and the Long Legacy of Nazi Violence," 6 Aug. 2019 Guaido’s board took control of Citgo in February, ousting directors and executives loyal to Mauduro. — Marissa Luck, Houston Chronicle, "U.S. court sides with Venezuela's opposition in battle over Citgo’s leadership," 6 Aug. 2019 The medium-range missile, which killed at least 40, hit Aden’s neighborhood of Breiqa where military forces loyal to the United Arab Emirates held a parade at the pro-coalition al-Galaa camp. — Fox News, "51 dead in Yemen after targeted missile strike and suicide bombings," 2 Aug. 2019 Chavarria credits weathering each move to help from loyal fans and regular customers. — Tirion Morris, azcentral, "Mill Avenue favorite Restaurant Mexico is closing after 42 years. Here's what we know," 29 July 2019 Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. — Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, "Wesley Snipes Tells Upset 'Blade' Fans to "Chillaaxx" After Surprise Reboot Reveal," 23 July 2019 Francisco Franco’s fascist government in Spain also kidnapped thousands of children and gave them to families loyal to the regime. — Rachel Nolan, Harper's magazine, "Destined for Export," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loyal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of loyal

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for loyal

Middle French, from Old French leial, leel, from Latin legalis legal

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for loyal

loyal

adjective
How to pronounce loyal (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of loyal

: having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something

See the full definition for loyal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

loyal

adjective
loy·​al | \ ˈlȯi-É™l How to pronounce loyal (audio) \

Kids Definition of loyal

: having or showing true and constant support for someone or something loyal fans

Other Words from loyal

loyally adverb

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!