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

And this is literally what, like brotherhood but real manhood looks like. —Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026

Kurt Sutter’s series offered a gritty, realistic look at the brotherhood of bikers in the titular motorcycle club. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026

Rodríguez has a deep appreciation for baseball history and would relish the Cooperstown brotherhood. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

Joseph has shown himself more than capable after creating a brotherhood of bullies with the Broncos defense. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 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