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

With so many people out of work and production still reeling, what’s on the table for the upcoming contract talks between the studios and streamers with the Hollywood guilds? —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2026

On Tuesday, Pezeshkian met with representatives of some guilds and merchant unions and promised to improve the economy. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026

Then there’s the looming specter of Hollywood strikes with the guild contracts expiring. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 Dec. 2025

Anora‘s sweep of the guilds and the top Oscar signified strong industry consensus about the indie darling. —Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 21 Dec. 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