guilds

Cultural  

1. Organizations of artisans in the Middle Ages that sought to regulate the price and quality of products such as weaving and ironwork. Guilds survived into the eighteenth century.

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Guilds gave way to trade unions, a very different type of organization. The artisans in the guilds were self-employed, unlike most members of trade unions.

Example Sentences

“Through the work of OHP, the Academy has also become the primary preservation repository for filmmaker interviews from the guilds and other sources,” notes the organization’s website.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

Its roots lie in the medieval stonemasons' guilds, and members still meet in "lodges" to carry out secretive initiation rituals and ceremonies.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

A coalition of entertainment unions, guilds and groups have sent a letter to President Trump, asking him to support tax provisions that would help Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Still, it’s worth pointing out that “Anora” won the top prizes this year from the producers, directors and writers guilds.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2025

Before long she was fighting off a yawn as Reznak prattled about the craftsmen’s guilds.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin