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.
Organizers had OK’d this, along with the participation of community groups including sororities and fraternities, Osbern previously said. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Chapin, a junior, was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The University of Georgia has paused pledging for one of its fraternities amid an investigation into alleged hazing off-campus. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025 Phi Delta Theta, the fraternity now disaffiliating with KU, was suspended after multiple hazing incidents were reported through university channels. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 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 11 Sep. 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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