noun
Common
guild
gihld
Guild (noun) means an association of people in the same trade or craft, historically formed to protect their shared interests. Example: “Local bakers joined the guild to share recipes and agree on fair standards.”
noun
1
An association of people in the same trade or craft, historically formed to protect their shared interests.
"Local bakers joined the guild to share recipes and agree on fair standards."
"Medieval stonemasons belonged to a guild that set standards for their work."
"The Writers Guild negotiates contracts on behalf of its members."
2
A group of players who team up together regularly in an online multiplayer game.
"She was invited to join a friendly guild that plays in the evenings."
"Our guild leader organised a big battle against the final boss."
"Our guild raids the dungeon together every weekend."
How to use guild
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group of people in the same trade, or in gaming, a team that plays together.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
trade guild
join a guild
guild member
guild hall
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Word forms
- Plural
- guilds
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Local bakers joined the _____ to share recipes and agree on fair standards.
Etymology
From Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi ("payment, guild"), related to "yield."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for guild
See all rhymes for 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.
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