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 of fraternity

• organization
• association
• institution
• brotherhood
• society
• institute
• chamber

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

Garrett Nicholas, 21, was struck by a vehicle early Sunday morning while crossing the street, just steps from his fraternity house. —Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

In some ways, cancer has created a fraternity among some players like Taillon, and former Cubs Anthony Rizzo and Jon Lester — all cancer survivors. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

In winning consecutive Masters — a feat not accomplished since Tiger Woods did it in 2002 — McIlroy joins Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods in one of golf’s most exclusive fraternities. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026

The plan had support in the baseball coaching fraternity. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fraternity

• inter-fraternity

Rhymes for fraternity

• eternity
• maternity
• modernity
• paternity
• confraternity
• taciturnity

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