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

White Claw’s sense of brotherhood is replaced by a struggle for power, money and prominence. —John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

For two centuries, college fraternities have fostered brotherhood and promoted the personal growth of young men. —Anthony V. MacK, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

That feeling of brotherhood, respect, and community is badly needed now, as the world is fractured by military conflicts, political polemic, and a weakening of the social fabric that knits diverse cultures and views together. —Sean Gregory, Time, 6 Feb. 2026

There is a kind of brotherhood forged between people who work in the shadow world. —Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 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