freemasonry

noun

free·​ma·​son·​ry ˈfrē-ˈmā-sᵊn-rē How to pronounce freemasonry (audio)
1
capitalized : the principles, institutions, or practices of Freemasons

called also Masonry

2
: natural fellowship based on some common experience

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Charles Warren went looking for the secrets of freemasonry and instead found the city’s ancient water network, a more successful enquiry than his subsequent pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Dominic Green, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2021 The document includes information on British Jewish organizations, strategic locations, maps, parliament, private schools, freemasonry and photos of persons of interest, particularly foreign nationals who had fled the Nazis. Fox News, 14 Sep. 2019 La Grange was the site of the Kentucky Masonic College, a center for freemasonry and home to Rob Morris who founded the Order of the Eastern Star. The Courier-Journal, 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'freemasonry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of freemasonry was in 1728

Dictionary Entries Near freemasonry

Cite this Entry

“Freemasonry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freemasonry. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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