membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship 

plural memberships

1

: the state or status of being a member

2

: the body of members

an organization with a large membership

3

mathematics : the relation between an element of a set (see set entry 2 sense 21) or class and the set or class itself compare inclusion sense 3a

Examples of membership in a Sentence

What is the cost of a one-year membership?

Membership in the club doubled last year.

clubs that are hoping to increase their membership

The club has a large membership.

clubs that are hoping to increase their memberships

Recent Examples on the Web

But even such a legacy dance troupe has evolved since its inception in 1925, updating their membership and productions to meet the moment. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025

Costco Travel also requires a Costco membership to book, which may not make sense for travelers who do not already shop at the warehouse retailer. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025

Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025

In Colorado, Connecticut, and Maine, for example, new laws aim to increase transparency and prevent utilities from saddling customers with questionable costs—such as trade-association membership dues, donations to interest groups, advertising, and legal fees from rate cases. —Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for membership

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship 

1

: the state or status of being a member

2

: all the members of an organization