brotherhood

American  

[bruhth-er-hood] / ˈbrʌð ərˌhʊd /

noun

1. the condition or quality of being a brother or brothers.

2. the quality of being brotherly; fellowship.

3. a fraternal or trade organization.

4. all those engaged in a particular trade or profession or sharing a common interest or quality.

5. the belief that all people should act with warmth and equality toward one another, regardless of differences in nationality, creed, ethnicity, etc.

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brotherhood British  

/ ˈbrʌðəˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state of being related as a brother or brothers

2. an association or fellowship, such as a trade union

3. all persons engaged in a particular profession, trade, etc

4. the belief, feeling, or hope that all people should regard and treat one another as equals

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Etymology

Origin of brotherhood

1250–1300; Middle English brithirhod ( see brother, -hood); replacing early Middle English brotherhede; see -head

Explanation

The relationship between a boy or man and his male siblings is known as brotherhood. Feeling that kind of connection with other people, even if you're not related, is also a kind of brotherhood. This word is limited to the male gender; in families, brotherhood is the relationship between brothers. To include all of your siblings, you can use the term siblinghood. Members of fraternal organizations — clubs or societies of men with common interests or jobs — also feel a sense of brotherhood. A more inclusive name, one that would allow for all genders, might be kinship, alliance, or association.

Example Sentences

One, often described as aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, and represented by Meshaal and parts of the external leadership, is viewed by observers as more pragmatic and less ideologically rigid.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

That jolted Aranibar, an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Local 11, into action.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

In occasionally indelicate detail, “Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants” studies the reproductive lives of Kenya’s rare “tuskers”—animals whose tusks weigh more than 100 pounds apiece, making them especially attractive to poachers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

Nigeria's Brotherhood of the Cross and Star sees in its founder, the late Olumba Olumba Obu, "the Holy Spirit" and "the Triune God", according to its website.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

The Brotherhood greeting was as familiar as "Give me some skin" or "Peace, it's wonderful."

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• fraternity
• guild
• partnership