sisterhood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral. Common in academic, social, and feminist discourse; also in religious and organizational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sisterhood” mean?
The close bond and sense of solidarity between women, based on shared experiences, support, and common goals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The close bond and sense of solidarity between women, based on shared experiences, support, and common goals.
An organization, society, or community of women linked by a shared interest, belief, or profession (e.g., a religious order). More broadly, any feeling of kinship, loyalty, and mutual support among a group of people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term is equally prevalent in feminist and sociological contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be associated with formal organizations (e.g., nursing sisterhoods, religious orders) in historical UK context. In both, strongly associated with feminist movements.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Possibly higher in US public discourse related to social activism.
Grammar
How to Use “sisterhood” in a Sentence
sisterhood among/between [women]sisterhood of [nuns/professionals]a feeling/sense of sisterhoodVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sisterhood” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The movement aimed to sisterhood women across class divides. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The organisation works to sisterhood its members through mentorship. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The sisterhood bond was evident in their campaign. (noun used attributively)
American English
- They shared a sisterhood moment of understanding. (noun used attributively)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) contexts or women's networking groups.
Academic
Common in sociology, gender studies, and history papers discussing female communities or feminist theory.
Everyday
Used to describe close bonds among female friends or family, or in discussion of women's issues.
Technical
Not technical; remains a socio-cultural term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sisterhood”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sisterhood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sisterhood”
- Using as a countable noun uncritically (e.g., 'We have a strong sisterhood' is fine, 'We have three sisterhoods' is specific). Confusing with 'sorority', which is specifically a US college society.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, as it centres on female experience. Metaphorically, it can describe close-knit groups of any gender, but this is less common and can be seen as stretching the term.
'Sisterhood' is a broad, often abstract concept of solidarity. 'Sorority' (in US English) specifically refers to a social organisation for women, especially in colleges (e.g., a Greek-letter sorority).
Yes, though less common. It can imply exclusivity, pressure to conform within the group, or idealisation that overlooks real differences and conflicts between women.
Yes, 'brotherhood' serves as the analogous term for male solidarity. However, their historical and cultural connotations differ based on gendered social structures.
The close bond and sense of solidarity between women, based on shared experiences, support, and common goals.
Sisterhood is usually formal to neutral. common in academic, social, and feminist discourse; also in religious and organizational contexts. in register.
Sisterhood: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪstəhʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪstɚˌhʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A sisterhood of the travelling pants (from novel/film title)”
- “Ties of sisterhood”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SISTER + HOOD (like 'neighbourhood') = The 'hood' or state of being like sisters.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAMILY IS UNITY (extending familial bonds to a wider group).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sisterhood' LEAST likely to be used?