membership

[ mem-ber-ship ]

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

/ ˈmɛmbəˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the members of an organization collectively
2. the state of being a member

Word History and Origins

Origin of membership¹

First recorded in 1640–50; member + -ship

Example Sentences

Is it any wonder that as labor union membership plummeted, wealth inequality expanded, health care access dwindled, and paychecks stagnated?

From Salon

You need to sign some shrimp up for a gym membership and see how they respond to different conditions you create in a tank.

From Slate

The fellow-traveler organizations surround the totalitarian movements with a mist of normality and respectability that fools the membership about the true character of the outside world as much as it does the outside world about the true character of the movement.

From Salon

"I think there are some changes that need to be made and fundamentally around just enabling the membership, the athletes, the National Olympic Committees, the international federations, partners, broadcasters, to have greater skin in the game and to help structure the future," he said.

From BBC

The Electoral Commission is calling for tougher penalties for criminal acts, tighter political party membership rules, including potential deselection, and a review of whether to bring in secure campaigning zones.

From BBC

Related Words

• enrollment
• participation