guild

noun

ˈgild 

variants or less commonly gild

1

: an association of people with similar interests or pursuits

especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen

2

: a group of organisms that use the same ecological resource in a similar way

a feeding guild

guildship

ˈgil(d)-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of guild

• organization
• association
• institution
• society
• institute
• fraternity
• chamber
• brotherhood

Examples of guild in a Sentence

after his apprenticeship, he was able to join the stonemasons' guild

Recent Examples on the Web

Its workers unionized with WGA East and signed its first contract with the guild in 2018. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

The singer is said to be campaigning hard after she was seen at an all-guild screening of Toy Story 5. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Nov. 2026

Hüller has been submitted in supporting across every guild and awards ceremony this season, including the Golden Globes and the Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Assembling in public spaces to learn our hobbies or form or join existing guilds teaches not only patience and attention but how to have relationships. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi payment, guild; akin to Old English gield tribute, guild — more at geld

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing guild

• guild socialism

Rhymes for guild

• billed
• build
• chilled
• drilled
• filled
• frilled
• gild
• grilled
• killed
• milled
• rilled
• shrilled

Kids Definition

guild

noun

variants also gild

ˈgild

: an association of persons with common interests or aims

especially : an association of merchants or craftsmen in the Middle Ages