fraternity

noun

fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce fraternity (audio)
plural fraternities
1
: a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: such as
a
: a fraternal order
c
: a men's student organization formed chiefly for social purposes having secret rites and a name consisting of Greek letters
d
: a student organization for scholastic, professional, or extracurricular activities
a debating fraternity
2
: the quality or state of being brothers : brotherliness
3
: persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes
the racetrack fraternity

Examples of fraternity in a Sentence

an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation a firm believer in community service and a dedicated member of the local fraternity of Good Samaritans
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ceremony was open to all graduates and Washington’s fraternity encouraged students to wear items signifying their identity or culture. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 Daniel was studying computer science and is survived by his mother, according to the fraternity. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025 But the coaching fraternity is a small one, and there’s typically a persistent undercurrent of respect amongst the 32 individuals. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Members of the Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha stepped up to organize the alternative ceremony. Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fraternity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraternity was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fraternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraternity. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fraternity

noun
fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nət-ē How to pronounce fraternity (audio)
plural fraternities
1
: a social, honorary, or professional organization
especially : a social club of male college students
2

More from Merriam-Webster on fraternity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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