brotherhood

noun

broth·​er·​hood ˈbrə-t͟hər-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the quality or state of being brothers

2

: fellowship, alliance

3

: an association (such as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose

4

: the whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession

Synonyms of brotherhood

• organization
• fraternity
• association
• society
• institution
• institute
• chamber

Examples of brotherhood in a Sentence

they're a brotherhood of retired war veterans

a family that has been part of the brotherhood of police officers for four generations

Recent Examples on the Web

To Houston, the most important thing for the unit is maintaining the brotherhood. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026

So watch this movie and see where this eternal brotherhood started in every frame. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026

In Jonestown, the racial brotherhood that Jones had spoken about in San Francisco transmogrified into racial paternalism—or worse. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026

There was a sense of brotherhood in the locker room among players and staff, said offensive guard Matthew Bergeron, who signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension on Saturday. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English brotherhede, brotherhod, alteration of brotherrede, from Old English brōthorrǣden, from brōthor + rǣden condition — more at kindred entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for brotherhood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood
• maidenhood

Kids Definition

brotherhood

noun

broth·​er·​hood ˈbrət͟h-ər-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the state of being brothers or a brother

2

: an association of people for a particular purpose

3

: the persons engaged in the same business or profession