Definition

1. Noun:

   • An obsolete unit of distance: A league is a historical unit for measuring distance, typically equal to about three miles (approximately 4.8 kilometers) on land.
   • An association for common action: A league is a group of people, countries, teams, or organizations that have joined together for a shared purpose or common interest.

2. Verb:

   • To unite in an alliance: To league means to form an alliance or association for mutual benefit or common action.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Unit of distance):

  • The old map indicated the town was just two leagues away.
  • In the story, they traveled for many leagues across the desert.

• Noun (Association):

  • She plays in a local soccer league.
  • Several nations formed a trade league to boost their economies.

• Verb:

  • The small villages leagued together for better protection.
  • They leagued with other activists to promote the cause.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in league with (someone)": To be secretly cooperating or conspiring with someone, often for a dishonest purpose.

  • The corrupt official was found to be in league with the smugglers.

• "Out of one's league": Used informally to describe something or someone that is beyond one's level of ability, social status, or experience.

  • He realized the prestigious university was out of his league academically.

Variants and Related Words

• Leaguer (noun): A member of a league.
  • He was a dedicated leaguer in the bowling association.

Synonyms

• Alliance: A union or association formed for mutual benefit.
• Confederation: An organization of several groups united in an alliance.
• Federation: A group of states or organizations with a central authority.
• Union: The action of joining together.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Phrases

• League together: To join with others to form a group for a common purpose.
  • The community leagued together to rebuild after the storm.

Related Idioms

• In a different league: Significantly better or of a much higher standard than someone or something else.
  • As a pianist, she's in a different league from the other contestants.

Noun

1. an obsolete unit of distance of variable length (usually 3 miles)
2. an association of states or organizations or individuals for common action
3. an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

Verb

1. unite to form a league