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

Things like that definitely bring you together to the brotherhood. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025

The fraternity has described its values as centered on academic achievement, respectful conduct and strong brotherhood. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025

For decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals… one of them will become the greatest Japanese master of the art of kabuki. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2025

That’s just a testimony to this brotherhood, sticking together. —Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Nov. 2025

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