brotherhood

[bruhth-er-hood]

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.

brotherhood

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of brotherhood¹

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

Example Sentences

“Not unless he’s ever been a sworn member of a pirate’s crew. Both recipes are secrets of the pirates’ brotherhood.

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"Our brotherhood has been tested and it's time for us to answer that challenge and honor Marshawn with each and every snap."

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Captain Harry Kane is confident all the players are on the same page as Tuchel seeks to forge a genuine feeling of "brotherhood".

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He's being grilled by Chinese investigators about the time he allegedly ordered a stranger to be killed - a human offering to celebrate his sworn brotherhood with a business partner.

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"This is a brotherhood, following our team is what we do, and this trip will live with us for a long time."

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Related Words

• fraternity 
• guild 
• partnership