membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship 

plural memberships

1

: the state or status of being a member

2

: the body of members

an organization with a large membership

3

mathematics : the relation between an element of a set (see set entry 2 sense 21) or class and the set or class itself compare inclusion sense 3a

Examples of membership in a Sentence

What is the cost of a one-year membership?

Membership in the club doubled last year.

clubs that are hoping to increase their membership

The club has a large membership.

clubs that are hoping to increase their memberships

Recent Examples on the Web

The price of an annual Costco membership is $65 for U.S. and Canada Gold Star memberships; executive memberships are $130 (comes with an annual 2% in rewards, up to $1,250, and services discounts). —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025

For decades, the formula for employee benefits was simple: offer healthcare, retirement plans, and a few perks—like gym memberships or wellness stipends—and employees would stay loyal, engaged, and productive. —Nirit Cohen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

In the absence of NATO membership, Zelenskyy has said that more than 100,000 European troops could be needed in Ukraine to guarantee the conflict doesn’t flare up again after a ceasefire. —Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025

Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership to enjoy fast, free delivery, access to invite-only deals and the option to Buy With Prime. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for membership

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship 

1

: the state or status of being a member

2

: all the members of an organization