fraternity

noun

fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nə-tē 

plural fraternities

1

: a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: such as

a

: a fraternal order

b

: guild sense 1

c

: a men's student organization formed chiefly for social purposes having secret rites and a name consisting of Greek letters

d

: a student organization for scholastic, professional, or extracurricular activities

a debating fraternity

2

: the quality or state of being brothers : brotherliness

3

: persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes

the racetrack fraternity

Synonyms

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

Examples of fraternity in a Sentence

an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation

a firm believer in community service and a dedicated member of the local fraternity of Good Samaritans

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike Daniels, Baker Mayfield may not have received an initial Pro Bowl invitation, but the seven-year veteran (and fellow member of the Heisman Trophy fraternity) is playing the best football of his career. —The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

In fact, until recently Carter may have been the most unwelcome member of the exclusive fraternity on the planet known as The Presidents Club. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025

Instead, prosecutors said, the fraternity members planned a skit during which a pledge would be set on fire. —Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

All four were either active members or pledges of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fraternity

• inter-fraternity

Kids Definition

fraternity

noun

fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nət-ē 

plural fraternities

1

: a social, honorary, or professional organization

especially : a social club of male college students

2

: brotherhood sense 1, brotherliness