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

• 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

As the street sign was unveiled, the brotherhood that has defined New Edition was undeniable. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025

The pitfalls of a India-China-Russia pact The scenes from the 2025 Tianjin Shanghai Cooperation Summit had an overdose of bonhomie and brotherhood among three of the world’s four most powerful nations. —Happymon Jacob, Time, 3 Sep. 2025

An unexpected power shift will threaten the brotherhood between Phil and Geoffrey, whose loyalties to the Banks family will be tested. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

Seeing the lengths that the brotherhood went to for Ben in Dark Wolf made his treachery on the mothership series all the more frustrating. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 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