brotherhood

noun

broth·​er·​hood ˈbrə-t͟hər-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the quality or state of being brothers

2

: fellowship, alliance

3

: an association (such as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose

4

: the whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession

Synonyms

• association
• board
• chamber
• club
• college
• congress
• consortium
• council
• fellowship
• fraternity
• guild
• gild
• institute
• institution
• league
• order
• organization
• society
• sodality

Examples of brotherhood in a Sentence

they're a brotherhood of retired war veterans

a family that has been part of the brotherhood of police officers for four generations

Recent Examples on the Web

Economy Hall was a free Black brotherhood in Tremé that revolutionized musical, political and social change. —Cierra Chenier, Essence, 25 June 2024

But the High Priest liked to think that with time, new members and new money would find their way into the brotherhood’s ranks, and the staff would grow. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024

True to his brotherhood, Jake puts his boys Gaspare and Brian at the front, then humbly puts himself second in line. —Lisa Kwon, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2024

As floating Towers of Babel crewed by poor men of mixed religions and nations, pirate ships welcomed everyone into the brotherhood—except for women, who were considered bad luck. —Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English brotherhede, brotherhod, alteration of brotherrede, from Old English brōthorrǣden, from brōthor + rǣden condition — more at kindred entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

brotherhood

noun

broth·​er·​hood ˈbrət͟h-ər-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the state of being brothers or a brother

2

: an association of people for a particular purpose

3

: the persons engaged in the same business or profession