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

The bill has broad support among many entertainment industry guilds and unions, studios and record labels, as well as tech companies OpenAI and Google/YouTube. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 June 2026

The guild said its membership, which includes directors, editors, craftspeople and other key people on film and TV sets, help shape the work audiences view and experience. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

London joined the organization in 2018, desiring to bring a chapter of the guild to his community in Seattle. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 16 June 2026

Currently, a GoFundMe is open to help raise funds for the guild’s pursuit of a new home. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 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