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

The guild’s departure from X comes amid a notable exodus from the platform by other media organizations, such as National Public Radio and the Berlin Film Festival. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 10 July 2025

Surrounded by stately guild houses, City Hall and the King’s House, the city’s must-see main square, Grand-Place, is a masterpiece of Belgian Baroque architecture. —New York Times, 10 July 2025

Deen, the union president, said the guild’s efforts with the casino are unrelated to the Railyards protest. —Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025

Jae-yi turns the Min family guild’s ledger, which includes ample evidence of years of corruption, over to the authorities. —Kayti Burt, Time, 16 May 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