fraternity

fra·ter·ni·ty

noun \frə-ˈtər-nə-tē\

plural fra·ter·ni·ties

Definition of FRATERNITY

1

: a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: as

a : a fraternal order

b : guild 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>

Examples of FRATERNITY

1. an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation
2. <a firm believer in community service and a dedicated member of the local fraternity of Good Samaritans>

First Known Use of FRATERNITY

14th century

Related to FRATERNITY

Synonyms

board, brotherhood, chamber, club, college, congress, consortium, council, fellowship, association, guild (also gild), institute, institution, league, order, organization, society, sodality

Related Words

collective, commune, community, cooperative; alliance, bloc, camp, coalition, partnership; body, cadre, group; circle, clan, clique, coterie, junta, junto, klatch (also klatsch), lot, set; crew, outfit, party, squad, team; branch, chapter, local; faithful, fold, membership; sisterhood, sorority; cabal, camarilla, camorra, confederacy, conspiracy; band, gang, ring; cartel, combine, syndicate

Rhymes with FRATERNITY

eternity, maternity, modernity, paternity, quaternity