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

Unlike the ancient alchemists’ guilds or modern elites, science is not secret, nor gated by family descent or social ties. —Micah Altman, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026

The rollout comes at an anxious time for Hollywood, with above-the-line guilds preparing for a new round of negotiations with studios and streamers and technology high atop their list of concerns. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026

All experience levels are invited to attend the guild’s monthly meetings. —Holly Andres, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

Clearly, the preferences of the guilds no longer reflect the preferences of the Academy. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 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