Greek-letter fraternity

[ greek-let-er ]

noun

1. a fraternity whose name consists usually of two or three Greek letters, as Sigma Delta Phi (ΣΔΦ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Greek-letter fraternity¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The first American Greek-letter fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, was founded in 1776, and the early 19th century saw the spread of fraternities throughout the nation’s higher-education system.

From Time

Alpha Phi Alpha is Martin Luther King Jr.'s fraternity and the oldest Greek-letter fraternity for African Americans in the country.

From Washington Post