guild

noun

variants or less commonly gild
1
: an association of people with similar interests or pursuits
especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen
2
: a group of organisms that use the same ecological resource in a similar way
a feeding guild
guildship noun

Examples of guild in a Sentence

after his apprenticeship, he was able to join the stonemasons' guild
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.
Freddie Kitchens, one of only a few holdovers from the old staff, and like Belichick a member of the ex-NFL coach guild, got a promotion and his salary doubled. Luke Decock, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2025 The Gary School Board has renamed the West Side High School auditorium in honor of its long-time theatre guild director, state Sen. Mark Spencer. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Drake was also accused of refusing to identify a person who rewrote the ending of the film, and who was not a guild member. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025 Basic guild member packages with ads typically cost $12 per month or $144 per year to access all the films and programming in the studio’s library. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guild

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi payment, guild; akin to Old English gield tribute, guild — more at geld

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Guild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guild. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

guild

noun
variants also gild
ˈgild
: an association of persons with common interests or aims
especially : an association of merchants or craftsmen in the Middle Ages

More from Merriam-Webster on guild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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