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.

Middle English brethrene, plural of brether, derived from Old English brēþra, from Proto-Germanic *broþar.

brethren in arms

Soldiers or comrades who fight together.

brethren of the cloth

Members of the clergy or religious leaders.

brother

A male sibling.

fraternity

A group of individuals sharing common interests, often related to brotherhood.

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.