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

The bill also pushes universities to implement comprehensive hazing prevention programs, publish their hazing prevention policies and identify which fraternities and sororities have broken those rules. —Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

The University of Arkansas has suspended the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity for at least three years after an investigation found violations including hazing, providing alcohol to underage people and dishonesty. —Alex Golden, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024

At 900 games, Cooper is 38th all-time in NHL history among the coaching fraternity. —Tom Layberger, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

In Prime Video's new adaptation, Thomas takes on the role of Professor Chadwick, Manchester College's new history professor who must navigate the intricacies and manipulations of rich sorority and fraternity members. —Esther Kang, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

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