gemeinschaft

noun

ge·​mein·​schaft gə-ˈmīn-ˌshäft How to pronounce gemeinschaft (audio)
: a spontaneously arising organic social relationship characterized by strong reciprocal bonds of sentiment and kinship within a common tradition
also : a community or society characterized by this relationship compare gesellschaft

Word History

Etymology

German, community, from gemein common, general (from Old High German gimeini) + -schaft -ship — more at mean

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gemeinschaft was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near gemeinschaft

Cite this Entry

“Gemeinschaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gemeinschaft. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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