brotherhood

[ bruhth-er-hood ]

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.

brotherhood

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of brotherhood¹

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

Example Sentences

“I love the camaraderie. I love the brotherhood. I love contact. It’s just the perfect sport. There’s nothing like football. It’s the greatest game out there. It teaches you so much about growing up.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The broad universalism standing at the center of the Gospel makes brotherhood morally inescapable," he said at a conference on Christian faith.

From Salon

At that time, Khan Younis was a "bastion" of support for the Muslim Brotherhood, says Ehud Yaari, a fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, who interviewed Sinwar in prison four times.

From BBC

Tom Baca, the international vice president for western states of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, said giving regulators control over maintenance schedules, instead of relying on the insight of the workers with deep knowledge of the equipment, could put his members in dangerous conditions if work is delayed.

From Los Angeles Times

For the first time in three decades, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters - the largest union in the country - declined to endorse a presidential candidate, finding a majority of its rank-and-file members supported Trump.

From BBC

Related Words

• fraternity
• guild
• partnership