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

According to a criminal complaint, Robinson initially thought police executing a search warrant at the Delta Upsilon fraternity house was a prank. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

Robinson allegedly purchased large quantities of cocaine from a student in a different fraternity, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, who was charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

The drug trafficking allegedly occurred in 2023 and 2024, primarily at two fraternity houses. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

The alleged ringleader of a cocaine trafficking ring involving two Penn State fraternities surrendered on Tuesday morning, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 18 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