guild

noun

ˈgild 

variants or less commonly gild

1

: an association of people with similar interests or pursuits

especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen

2

: a group of organisms that use the same ecological resource in a similar way

a feeding guild

guildship

ˈgil(d)-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of guild in a Sentence

after his apprenticeship, he was able to join the stonemasons' guild

Recent Examples on the Web

The tech guild authorized a strike in September, Axios reported. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

The union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have extended their labor contract until Dec. 2 as negotiations continue over a new deal, the guild announced on Wednesday. —Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024

The guild also revealed a new Broadway and International Live Theater Award, which will be handed out during the 12th annual ceremony on Saturday, February 15, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024

The guilds exercised due influence, for the betterment of individuals, towns, regions, and so on. —Eli Amdur, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi payment, guild; akin to Old English gield tribute, guild — more at geld

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing guild

• guild socialism

Kids Definition

guild

noun

variants also gild

ˈgild

: an association of persons with common interests or aims

especially : an association of merchants or craftsmen in the Middle Ages