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

However, the chapter continues to be recognized by its national organization, and thus was legally permitted to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with the university. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

Several fraternities and sororities have mourned the loss of the students and have placed black ribbons outside their on-campus homes, WMC reported. — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Ole Miss student Kenneth Tonos, who works security for several fraternities and sororities on campus, told Fox News Digital that at least three Greek life events have been canceled following the two students' deaths. — Adam Sabes , Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

During Black History Month, speakers came to Golden 1 Credit Union to speak about streetwear culture, Black fraternities and sororities, and members of the Wiltown Riders spoke about the history of Black cowboys. — Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 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