membership

American  

[mem-ber-ship] / ˈmɛm bərˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the state of being a member, as of a society or club.

2. the status of a member.

3. the total number of members belonging to an organization, society, etc.

---

membership British  

/ ˈmɛmbəˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the members of an organization collectively

2. the state of being a member

---

Etymology

Origin of membership

First recorded in 1640–50; member + -ship

Example Sentences

Mrs Justice Smyth said: "I accept they were not acting as lone wolves, although neither was charged with membership of an organisation."

From BBC

Sales growth has slowed slightly in recent months, as have membership renewal rates, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

In rich countries, membership of civic institutions - like churches, community groups, or trade unions - has dropped since the 1970s.

From BBC

Target also has a paid membership, Target Circle 360, which can be worth it for those who shop regularly at the big-box store.

From MarketWatch

Costco says it mainly sells vacations because its members like to travel and satisfied members renew and upgrade their memberships, maybe even sign up for the Costco credit card.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• enrollment
• participation