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

He added: "We are fuelled by something money can’t buy - purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come."

From BBC

“At the same time, your Utopian brotherhood of veterans, sisterhood of veterans community would mean that if somebody founds a high-tech firm and makes $5 million they continue to live there because that’s their community.”

From Los Angeles Times

“My dad was really big on family, and not only family, but brotherhood. And I don’t even mean like, just biological brotherhood. I mean brotherhood and all that it entails.”

From Los Angeles Times

As part of coach DeShaun Foster’s efforts to connect a team featuring 55 new players and eight new assistant coaches, everyone participated in brotherhood meetings.

From Los Angeles Times

As a rookie reporter, I often witnessed the frenzied brotherhood at first day, first-show screenings: coins tossed at the screen, camphor burnt, flowers showered, cut-outs doused in milk, fans screaming his name.

From BBC

Related Words

• fraternity 
• guild 
• partnership