fraternity

noun

fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce fraternity (audio)
plural fraternities
Synonyms of fraternitynext
1
: a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: such as
a
: a fraternal order
c
: a men's student organization formed chiefly for social purposes having secret rites and a name consisting of Greek letters
d
: a student organization for scholastic, professional, or extracurricular activities
a debating fraternity
2
: the quality or state of being brothers : brotherliness
3
: persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes
the racetrack fraternity

Examples of fraternity in a Sentence

an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation a firm believer in community service and a dedicated member of the local fraternity of Good Samaritans
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jack Fleischaker, 19, fell from a second-story window of a fraternity house near the university campus, Riley County police told WIBW in Topeka. Eleanor Nash updated May 1, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026 Some time after the group formed, Mellencamp signed on as the band’s second singer and performed with them at school dances, sock hops, fraternities, and battle of the bands competitions. Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 The Augustinian tradition emphasizes fraternity, humility, and reflection on our disordered desires. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 Greg Sarkissian, Schwab’s U.S.C. fraternity brother, is an avid surfer who has lived in Hawaii and now calls Indonesia home. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fraternity was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fraternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraternity. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

fraternity

noun
fra·​ter·​ni·​ty frə-ˈtər-nət-ē How to pronounce fraternity (audio)
plural fraternities
1
: a social, honorary, or professional organization
especially : a social club of male college students
2

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