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

But as the years and resentments pile on, their cancerous brotherhood threatens to obliterate them both.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

“The fire service is just so enmeshed. It is such a brotherhood, and there isn’t that scrutiny on it,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Fez, for example, is a favourite destination for many Senegalese Muslim followers of Tidianism, an influential brotherhood in Senegal whose founder, Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane, is buried there.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish," he added.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

It was a feeling, a tenderness in the sweetly savage brotherhood of athletics that came very seldom.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• fraternity
• guild
• partnership