Definition

Noun: 1. A formal association of people with similar interests or professions: A guild is an organized group of individuals who share a common craft, trade, purpose, or activity. Historically, guilds were powerful associations of artisans or merchants that controlled the practice of their craft in a particular town. In modern usage, it often refers to any society, club, or association formed for mutual aid or the pursuit of a shared interest.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Writers' Guild represents the interests of screenwriters and authors.
  • In medieval Europe, a shoemaker had to belong to the cobblers' guild to work in the city.
  • She decided to join the local gardening guild to learn more about horticulture.

Advanced Usage

• "to form/establish a guild": To create a new formal association.
  • The freelance designers formed a guild to set standard rates and share resources.
• "guild member": A person who belongs to a guild.
  • As a guild member, he had access to exclusive training workshops.
• "guild regulations/hall": The rules set by a guild or the building where it meets.
  • The craft fair was held in the historic guild hall.

Variants and Related Words

• Guildsman (n, archaic): A male member of a guild.
• Guildship (n, rare): The state or condition of being a member of a guild.

Synonyms

• Association: A group of people organized for a joint purpose.
• Society: An organization or club formed for a particular purpose or activity.
• Union: An organized association of workers formed to protect their rights and interests (a specific type of guild for laborers).
• League: A collection of people, countries, or groups that combine for a particular purpose.
• Fraternity: A group of people sharing a common profession or interests (often used for male associations).

Related Phrases

• Guild system: The economic and social system in medieval Europe dominated by guilds.
  • The guild system controlled quality, training, and prices for centuries.
• Trade guild / Craft guild: Specific types of guilds for merchants or skilled artisans, respectively.
  • The stonemasons' craft guild was responsible for building the cathedral.

Noun

1. a formal association of people with similar interests
   • he joined a golf club
   • they formed a small lunch society
   • men from the fraternal order will staff the soup kitchen today