guild

American  

[gild] / gɪld /

Or gild

noun

1. an organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., especially one formed for mutual aid or protection.

2. any of various medieval associations, as of merchants or artisans, organized to maintain standards and to protect the interests of its members, and that sometimes constituted a local governing body.

3. Botany. a group of plants, as parasites, having a similar habit of growth and nutrition.

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guild British  

/ ɡɪld /

noun

1. an organization, club, or fellowship

2. (esp in medieval Europe) an association of men sharing the same interests, such as merchants or artisans: formed for mutual aid and protection and to maintain craft standards or pursue some other purpose such as communal worship

3. ecology a group of plants, such as a group of epiphytes, that share certain habits or characteristics

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Etymology

Origin of guild

before 1000; Middle English gild ( e ) < Old Norse gildi guild, payment; replacing Old English gegyld guild; akin to German Geld money, Gothic -gild tax

Explanation

Another word for a club, group, or society is guild, meaning a group of people who have joined together in pursuit of a common interest. Many fraternal and theatrical organizations still maintain buildings called guild halls for meetings and activities. The earliest guilds were for religious purposes as burial societies and offering financial support. In the later Middle Ages, they became organizations to support various trades and crafts. As the forerunners of modern unions, they provided support for their members and were charged with assuring quality in each member's products. The word guild comes originally from the Scandinavian, with roots that mean "payment of tribute," similar to the German gelt ("money"), possibly to reflect the dues paid by members.

Example Sentences

While his family and management are yet to issue a statement, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors told the BBC his death had left the association in shock.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

That film’s director, John Huston, joined Jimmy Stewart and fellow Directors Guild of America members, including George Lucas, in accusing Turner and other colorizers of cultural butchery.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

If ratified, members would see a minimum of 12% increases in pay for all Writers Guild staff over the course of the three year term.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists pact comes just over a week after the Writers Guild reached a new four-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

“Let us go into the city to the Pouchmakers’ Guild.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli

Related Words

• federation