fraternal

adjective

fra·​ter·​nal frə-ˈtər-nᵊl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or involving brothers

fraternal love

b

: of, relating to, or being a fraternity or society

a fraternal order

a fraternal chapter house

2

: derived from two ova : dizygotic

fraternal twins

3

: friendly, brotherly

There was a fraternal feeling among the troops.

fraternalism

frə-ˈtər-nə-ˌliz-əm 

noun

fraternally

frə-ˈtər-nᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• brotherly

Examples of fraternal in a Sentence

He belonged to a fraternal organization.

There was a fraternal feeling among the troops.

Recent Examples on the Web

The film embraces heroism in the face of an oppressive regime, the strength of fraternal ties and the themes of love, betrayal, morality and hope. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024

List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations. —Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

While the fraternal rivalry between coaching Harbaughs would be the cheerful surface plot in this matchup of AFC contenders, the trip to Los Angeles represented a low-key reckoning for the Ravens. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024

This new second film is a story of fraternal bonds, community, belief, and care, told through the world of horses and men. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin fraternalis, from Latin fraternus, from frater brother — more at brother

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fraternal

• fraternal twin

Kids Definition

fraternal

adjective

fra·​ter·​nal frə-ˈtərn-ᵊl 

1

a

: of or relating to brothers

b

: of, relating to, or being a fraternity

2

: kindly entry 1 sense 2, friendly

fraternally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

Medical Definition

fraternal

adjective

fra·​ter·​nal frə-ˈtərn-ᵊl 

: derived from two ova : dizygotic

fraternal twins