fraternity

noun

fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nə-tē 

plural fraternities

1

: a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: such as

a

: a fraternal order

b

: guild sense 1

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

Synonyms of fraternity

• organization
• association
• institution
• brotherhood
• society
• institute
• chamber

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

The fraternity later closed its Northern Arizona University chapter following Martinez's death. — Perry Vandell, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

This is the largest expansion in the history of Fairview, which started out in 1892 as a modest retirement home for Odd Fellows fraternity members. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

Scholarships on the site appear to be funded largely by an array of private groups, including foundations, associations, fraternities, unions and other organizations. — Todd Wallack, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2026

In a previous statement, the fraternity — which is 115 years old and is part of the Divine Nine, a group of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities — said the three men accused were not active or financial members of the fraternity. — Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fraternity

• inter-fraternity

Rhymes for fraternity

• eternity
• maternity
• modernity
• paternity
• confraternity
• taciturnity

Kids Definition

fraternity

noun

fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nət-ē 

plural fraternities

1

: a social, honorary, or professional organization

especially : a social club of male college students

2

: brotherhood sense 1, brotherliness