brotherhood

noun

broth·​er·​hood ˈbrə-t͟hər-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce brotherhood (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being brothers
2
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Every choice in appearance reflects the pride, purpose, and inherited legacy of our brotherhood. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025 To his brotherhood within a theologically conservative, hard-right church coalition, Fox News host Pete Hegseth's ascension as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department wasn’t merely opportunistic. Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 Rio Hondo, win or lose, is a brotherhood, Carson said. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024 As a youngster, to be a part of a brotherhood, especially as an only child, was special to me. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brotherhood 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brotherhood was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near brotherhood

Cite this Entry

“Brotherhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brotherhood. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

brotherhood

noun
broth·​er·​hood ˈbrət͟h-ər-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce brotherhood (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on brotherhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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