sisterhood

noun

sis·​ter·​hood ˈsi-stər-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce sisterhood (audio)
1
a
: the state of being a sister
b
: sisterly relationship
2
: a community or society of sisters
especially : a society of women in a religious order
3
: the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns

Examples of sisterhood in a Sentence

The bonds of sisterhood have helped unite women to fight for social equality.
Recent Examples on the Web Especially since Lee, and a committed sisterhood of politicians, activists, academics and lobbyists across California, had spent almost four years working behind the scenes to boost representation for Black women at the highest levels of the federal government. Erika D. Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 Supporting actors supporting other supporting actors While the Best Supporting Actress presenters felt like a warm sisterhood, the Best Supporting Actors came off more like a sports bar at last call. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 The historically African American sorority is non-profit community service organization rooted in sisterhood and empowerment. Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Paul’s noble mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, all fire and steel), belongs to a shadowy religious sisterhood, the Bene Gesserit, with its own twisted designs on her son. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2024 Someone in the sisterhood should make a development deal, don a hidden camera. Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Yes, the rom-com quotient is satisfied with strong-jawed football player love interest, but really, this is a movie about sisterhood and surfing and ordering really nice breakfasts from hotel room service with a man’s money. Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2024 Both adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women feature touching meditations on sisterhood, as well as the complicated 19th-century romance between writer Jo March and boy-next-door Laurie. Lia Beck, EW.com, 6 Feb. 2024 However, with the support of Shug (Taraji P. Henson), a sultry jazz singer, and Sofia (Danielle Brooks), her stepdaughter, Celie finds strength to survive through sisterhood. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sisterhood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near sisterhood

Cite this Entry

“Sisterhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sisterhood. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sisterhood

noun
sis·​ter·​hood ˈsis-tər-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce sisterhood (audio)
1
: the state of being a sister
2
: a community or society of sisters

More from Merriam-Webster on sisterhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!