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

• organization
• association
• fraternity
• club
• institution
• society
• league
• institute
• college

Examples of guild in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, competitive players may engage with leaderboards, while social players are more invested in guild systems. —Pawan Gaargi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Michele Mulroney, the guild’s current Vice President, has emerged as the sole nominee for President. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 June 2025

Activists, creative guilds and critics have worried that allowing the systems free rein could displace jobs and reduce the level of human involvement in art. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025

Explore original video games created by guild members, cosplay or show off your skills at gaming stations throughout Harold Washington Library Center. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025

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