guilds

Cultural  

1. Organizations of artisans in the Middle Ages that sought to regulate the price and quality of products such as weaving and ironwork. Guilds survived into the eighteenth century.

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Guilds gave way to trade unions, a very different type of organization. The artisans in the guilds were self-employed, unlike most members of trade unions.

Example Sentences

Its roots lie in the medieval stonemasons' guilds, and members still meet in "lodges" to carry out secretive initiation rituals and ceremonies.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

A coalition of entertainment unions, guilds and groups have sent a letter to President Trump, asking him to support tax provisions that would help Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Then again, picking “1917” seemed like the safe bet, as it had won the top prizes from the producers and directors guilds ... just like “Anora” has done this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

Sean Baker’s freewheeling fractured fairy tale took top honors from both the producing and directing guilds, restoring its front-runner status at the Oscars.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

“Let it be written that henceforth only guild members shall be permitted to name themselves journeymen or masters ... provided the guilds open their rolls to any freedman who can demonstrate the requisite skills.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin