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

Now, more than 15 years after leaving Gainesville, Meyer is being welcomed back into the program’s most exclusive fraternity. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

James is facing calls for her removal from two of the fraternity brothers Jane Doe named in her civil lawsuit. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

The pause will impact fraternities and sororities, but is not limited to just those organizations. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

In the latest in a slew of fraternity hazing investigations nationwide, law enforcement agencies are poring over evidence taken from the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house at West Virginia University. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 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