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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of brotherhood

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

Example Sentences

"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

Also add to your discount function a Bloomberg News story that landed on Friday, detailing the strange brotherhood of Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Bernie Sanders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

"A pact is between opponents who are able to find a path toward a shared human brotherhood."

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Words of brotherhood overpowering the sensations of a crushing defeat.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2025

The American Negro has no conception of the hundreds of millions of other non-whites’ concern for him: he has no conception of their feeling of brotherhood for and with him.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

• fraternity
• guild
• partnership