guild

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

guildship

2 of 2

noun (2)

guild·​ship ˈgildˌship 

1

: guild sense 1a

2

: the status of a guild member

Synonyms of guild

Noun (1)

• organization
• association
• institution
• society
• institute
• fraternity
• chamber
• brotherhood

Examples of guild in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In petitions, legal action and IG posts, the Hollywood guilds and a legion of A-listers are pessimistic Ellison will keep his expansive theatrical promises if and when the deal finally closes. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

The residual formulas for the different guilds are closely related, though the WGA is the only one that releases data. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026

This was once one of the principal streets used by Tallinn’s wealthy merchants and remains lined with former guild buildings and elaborate historic facades. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Companion planting and creating fruit tree guilds to make sure sufficient pollinators are around during blossoming time. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi payment, guild; akin to Old English gield tribute, guild — more at geld

Noun (2)

guild + -ship

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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