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

To me, America meant Walt Whitman, the land of new rhythm, the coming brotherhood of the whole world. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024

Recommended Resilience Women in construction find solidarity as ‘sisters in the brotherhood’ Moreover, a growing number appear to have resigned themselves to the once-taboo prospect of ceding territory to reach a deal. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2024

In a shocking but logical end to their brotherhood, Oz strangles Victor Aguilar to death, throws his ID in the river, and leaves his anonymous body to be found by the next passing stranger. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024

Rather than love and romance, such movies evoke tears through male camaraderie and brotherhood — unsurprising, then, that war and sports films rate high on the list, at least if my boomer dad is anything to go by. —Christina Newland, Vulture, 15 June 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