Guild: meaning, definitions and examples

A medieval or historical organization of people with similar interests or professions, often craftsmen or merchants. Modern usage can refer to groups in online games or specific professional communities.

• The blacksmith joined a guild to improve his skills and trade secrets.
• They formed a guild in the online game to complete quests together.

A group of people organized for a joint purpose, often used for professional or social groups.

• She became a member of the National Writers Association to network with other authors.
• The neighborhood association meets once a month to discuss local issues.

A group of workers formed to protect their rights and interests, often in the context of labor relations. It can also refer to a combination or coalition of states, organizations, or individuals.

• The workers went on strike to demand better wages from the factory owners through their union.
• The European Union consists of 27 member countries that work together economically and politically.

A broad term for a community or group of people who share a common interest, often cultural or academic. It can also mean the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

• He joined the Historical Society to learn more about the town's past.
• The university's debate society won several awards this year.

Typically used more in the historical or fantasy context, referring to an association of artisans or merchants in the past.

• In medieval times, the baker's guild controlled the quality and price of bread

Best used in casual or informal settings when people come together to work on a project or task.

• Let's team up to finish this assignment on time

Appropriate when describing individuals or groups combining their efforts or resources to achieve a common goal.

• The two companies decided to join forces to develop a new piece of technology