brotherhood

American  

[bruhth-er-hood] / ˈbrʌð ərˌhʊd /

noun

• brotherhoods
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• brotherhoods
  plural

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

See Examples For:

brotherhood brotherhoods

The brotherhood was founded in 1970 by Lefebvre, a French bishop.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

There’s so much decorum among judges, this infamous brotherhood of the robe, that keeps them from directly criticizing one another.

From Slate ● May 18, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026

It is a beautiful religion of brotherhood and devotion.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

The ceremonies see brotherhoods of “nazarenos,” or penitents, with tall conical hats, monkish robes and hoods carrying or escorting the magnificent carriages through ancient streets of cities and towns nationwide.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 31, 2023

The leaders of Senegal’s influential Muslim brotherhoods on Sunday urged protesters to show restraint in the days ahead.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 8, 2021

Jia Zhangke takes an empathetic look at criminal brotherhoods in China in his new gangster film Ash Is Purest White.

From Slate ● Apr. 4, 2019

Different colors — white, purple, red — are associated with different brotherhoods, religious groups for laypeople that meet year-round and are a large part of Semana Santa processions.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 21, 2016

“There are many good men in the brotherhoods who earn their money as we do and who don’t deal with those things. It’s only a small number who are criminals.”

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep

Related Words

• fraternity
• guild
• partnership