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

Whatever happens at the guild will likely reverberate throughout the Oscar race. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 July 2026

Both guilds, as well as SAG, traditionally have had contractual agreements with the Academy to waive any residual fees for use of clips on the Emmy show. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 July 2026

The writers guild’s missive creates a second line of attack against tech scion David Ellison’s industry-reshaping deal. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

While Heated Rivalry has been scooping up major awards from various guilds and voting groups, including for leads Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the show remains ineligible for Emmys consideration. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 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