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

In doing so, Din becomes a traitor to his bounty hunter guild, led by Greef Karga (Carl Weathers). —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026

But the guild did accomplish the mission of proving that real people in front of the screen still matter. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 May 2026

The six-week program is open to eastern guild members who are either looking to staff an episodic writers’ room for the first time, or are early-career television writers looking to improve their skills. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 May 2026

Joining local groups such as the Rotary, League of Women Voters, the Woman’s Club and symphony guilds shows them how to build community. —Andre Mouchard, Daily News, 9 May 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