guild

The word “guild” means an association of people in the same trade or craft, historically formed to protect their shared interests. In plain terms, a group of people in the same trade, or in gaming, a team that plays together.

“Guild” is pronounced gihld (/ɡɪld/ in IPA).

Here is “guild” used in a sentence: “Medieval stonemasons belonged to a guild that set standards for their work.”

“Guild” is a noun.

The word “guild” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi ("payment, guild"), related to "yield.".

“Guild” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Guild” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an association of people in the same trade or craft, historically formed to protect their shared interests.

A guild is a historical association of craftspeople or merchants in the same trade, controlling standards and protecting shared interests. A trade union is a more modern organisation of workers focused mainly on pay and conditions, and unlike a guild it does not usually include employers or masters.

Both are organised groups of players, but 'guild' usually describes a large, structured group with ranks and shared goals, especially in role-playing games. 'Clan' is more often used for smaller, competitive teams, particularly in shooting games.

No. A guild is an association of people, while to gild means to cover something with a thin layer of gold. They sound the same but are spelled differently and mean different things.

Historically, guilds brought together people in the same craft or trade to set standards, train apprentices, and protect their common interests. They often controlled who was allowed to practise a trade within a town.