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

Browne told the Sun Sentinel that Reynolds invited him to return to try to invigorate the union, which had suffered membership declines over the years. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026

Comparisons between Prime Video and other streamers are inexact because the benefits of a Prime membership include free shipping on e-commerce orders, Whole Foods discounts and other perks. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

These groups often require membership fees and/or event costs that weren't necessarily part of our old budget. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026

Amazon now gives employees free memberships to Sittercity and Years Ahead, platforms where people can seek both child and elder care and access background checks and references for caregivers. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 12 Mar. 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