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 recent years, international films and non-traditional studio releases have made historic gains in top categories, often diverging from guild consensus. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026

Probably due to restrictive laws against Jews (for example, Jews were not allowed to belong to guilds, could only in rare cases acquire land, and were not free to choose their place of residence) and the family’s poor economic situation, the older Strauss children decided to emigrate. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Jan. 2026

His directors guild nomination portends similar recognition at the Oscars, and the film itself could wind up with as many as 10 nominations. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

When the guild negotiations happen this year, these broadsides will be just the first shots. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 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