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

According to the warrant affidavit, officials also learned that the elementary school had not paid its annual membership to the Connecticut or national PTA in two years. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026

Lawrence from the Bronx had his driver’s license and his Blockbuster membership card hanging around his neck. — Devin Friedman, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

In its latest attempt at securing a critical economic lifeline, Iran is seeking membership in the BRICS New Development Bank. — Kyra Colah, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Tens of thousands of gig drivers have signed cards in support of the union, but the union did not say whether the cards signify official membership. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

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