membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship 

plural memberships

1

: the state or status of being a member

2

: the body of members

an organization with a large membership

3

mathematics : the relation between an element of a set (see set entry 2 sense 21) or class and the set or class itself compare inclusion sense 3a

Examples of membership in a Sentence

What is the cost of a one-year membership?

Membership in the club doubled last year.

clubs that are hoping to increase their membership

The club has a large membership.

clubs that are hoping to increase their memberships

Recent Examples on the Web

Initially worried about leaving home, Cerrato learned how to cook and clean, purchased his own gym membership, and bought a bike for travel. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2025

The Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. opened membership to anyone interested in joining; only seven were. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The commission’s long-term funding is expected to come, in part, through annual membership fees from participating schools. —Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025

To get the biggest savings—plus fast, free shipping—you’ll need to sign up for an Amazon Prime membership. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for membership

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship 

1

: the state or status of being a member

2

: all the members of an organization