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

His graduation as a full member of this blood brotherhood awaits after his first kill. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026

But as the years and resentments pile on, their cancerous brotherhood threatens to obliterate them both. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Travel through time and reflect on the genesis, journey, and brotherhood of the multidimensional rap trio from Yonkers, The LOX. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026

Their chemistry, rooted in genuine brotherhood, has become central to the brand’s appeal. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Apr. 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