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

Graduates emphasized the school's unique environment fostering brotherhood and celebrating Black identity. —Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Fraser depicts his bloody brotherhood with similar flair. —Hamilton Cain, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

The cowboy, that paragon of rugged individualism, stands for stoicism and a wordless sweaty brotherhood. —Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025

Soda Stereo's Zeta Bosio, Charly Alberti, and more look back at how high expectations, tragedy, and a lasting brotherhood shaped the Argentine masterpiece June 21, 2025 First, there’s the black and white portrait. —Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 21 June 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