guild
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for guild, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An association of people in the same trade or craft, historically formed to protect their shared interests.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use guild
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi ("payment, guild"), related to "yield."
Full origin of guild →Frequently asked questions
What does “guild” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “guild”?
“Guild” is pronounced gihld (/ɡɪld/ in IPA).
How do you use “guild” in a sentence?
Here is “guild” used in a sentence: “Medieval stonemasons belonged to a guild that set standards for their work.”
What part of speech is “guild”?
“Guild” is a noun.
Where does the word “guild” come from?
The word “guild” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi ("payment, guild"), related to "yield.".
Is “guild” a common word?
“Guild” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “guild” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a guild and a trade union?
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.
What is the difference between a guild and a clan in online games?
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.
Are 'guild' and 'gild' the same word?
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.
What did medieval guilds do?
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.