Brethren
/ˈbrɛðərɪn/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Brothers; male siblings or members of a religious community, often used in a broader sense to refer to members of a particular group.
The organization's brethren gathered for their annual conference.
Members of a particular group, especially a religious or fraternal order.
The brethren of the monastery lived together in harmony.
A term used to address or refer to fellow members of a church or other foundational community.
He addressed his brethren from the pulpit during the Sunday service.
Etymology
Middle English brethrene, plural of brether, derived from Old English brēþra, from Proto-Germanic *broþar.
Common Phrases and Expressions
brethren in arms
Soldiers or comrades who fight together.
brethren of the cloth
Members of the clergy or religious leaders.
Related Words
brother
A male sibling.
fraternity
A group of individuals sharing common interests, often related to brotherhood.
Slang Meanings
Used informally among friends or in a brotherly context.
What's up, my brethren?
A playful way to refer to close male friends.
My brethren and I are going out tonight.