fellowship

American  

[fel-oh-ship] / ˈfɛl oʊˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the condition or relation of being a companion or peer.

   We all belong to the fellowship of humankind.

2. friendly relationship; companionship.

   the fellowship of father and son.

   Synonyms:

   intimacy, society, friendship, camaraderie, comradeship

3. community of interest, feeling, etc.

4. communion, as between members of the same church.

5. friendliness.

6. an association of persons having similar tastes, interests, etc.

7. a company, guild, or corporation.

8. Education.

   1. the body of fellows in a college or university.

   2. the position or emoluments of a fellow of a college or university, or the sum of money they receive.

   3. a foundation for the maintenance of a fellow in a college or university.

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verb (used with object)

fellowshipped, fellowshiped, fellowshipping, fellowshiping

1. to admit (someone) to fellowship, especially religious communion or community.

   Rather than rejecting the stranger in your midst, welcome her and fellowship her.

verb (used without object)

fellowshipped, fellowshiped, fellowshipping, fellowshiping

1. to join in fellowship, especially religious communion or community.

fellowship British  

/ ˈfɛləʊˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the state of sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities, etc

2. a society of people sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities, etc; club

3. companionship; friendship

4. the state or relationship of being a fellow

5. 1. mutual trust and charitableness between Christians

   2. a Church or religious association

6. education

   1. a financed research post providing study facilities, privileges, etc, often in return for teaching services

   2. a foundation endowed to support a postgraduate research student

   3. an honorary title carrying certain privileges awarded to a postgraduate student

7. (often capital) the body of fellows in a college, university, etc

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Etymology

Origin of fellowship

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English felauship(e); fellow, -ship

Example Sentences

Ardern left New Zealand shortly after quitting politics in January 2023, and took on a fellowship at Harvard University.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

It’s shared by Hoda, 27, an art school graduate whose fellowship to Lisbon, Portugal, was derailed when the Portuguese Embassy closed during the 12-day war.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Along with other writers at Oxford, they formed a loose fellowship called the Inklings and began articulating a Christian humanism for a new generation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Campbell completed part of the research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory while supported by an FSU fellowship.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026

My fellowship at Harvard finished in the spring.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover