brotherhood

American  

[bruhth-er-hood] / ˈbrʌð ərˌhʊd /

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 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

---

Etymology

Origin of brotherhood

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

Example Sentences

Fez, for example, is a favourite destination for many Senegalese Muslim followers of Tidianism, an influential brotherhood in Senegal whose founder, Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane, is buried there.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The face-off concluded with a warm exchange that underscored the "brotherhood" between the two veterans.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

"Everyone is happy. It will boost both countries' economies. It will encourage brotherhood like we had in the past."

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

There has never been a lasting international brotherhood of nationalists.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

This concept was the first challenge to the Pythagorean point of view, and the brotherhood tried to keep it secret.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• fraternity
• guild
• partnership