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

If your dates are flexible, consider this an excellent time to visit the city, while staying in a hotel with some very rich guild history of its own. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

The guilds reiterated Ernotte Cunci’s comments on the audiovisual industry employing more people than the car industry in France. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026

Some guilds, like the Directors Guild of America, celebrated the verdict as a win, while others, like the Writers Guild of America, felt disappointed that the merger is one step closer to becoming reality. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

The guild started during the great depression as a way for artists to sell their work. — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 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