fraternal
adjective
fra·ter·nal
frə-ˈtər-nᵊl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or involving brothers
fraternal love
b
: of, relating to, or being a fraternity or society
a fraternal order
a fraternal chapter house
2
: derived from two ova : dizygotic
fraternal twins
Examples of fraternal in a Sentence
He belonged to a fraternal organization.
There was a fraternal feeling among the troops.
Recent Examples on the Web
Well into the 20th century, Jews were restricted from joining prestigious athletic clubs, fraternal societies, high military ranks and country clubs, though some responded by forming their own venues, like the City Athletic Club of New York.
—
Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Freemasonry is considered to be the oldest secular fraternal organization that is still in existence, and largely involves secretive groups with private rituals whose members aim to better themselves and their surroundings.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Evan and Gregg Spiridellis, the fraternal filmmaking duo behind next-gen animation outfit Spiridellis Bros.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Many groups, including fraternal orders, PTAs, police and firemen's associations and soldiers on military bases, put on their own shows.
—Terry Gross, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fraternal
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Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Freemasonry is considered to be the oldest secular fraternal organization that is still in existence, and largely involves secretive groups with private rituals whose members aim to better themselves and their surroundings.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Evan and Gregg Spiridellis, the fraternal filmmaking duo behind next-gen animation outfit Spiridellis Bros.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Many groups, including fraternal orders, PTAs, police and firemen's associations and soldiers on military bases, put on their own shows.
—Terry Gross, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Cite this Entry
“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraternal. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fraternal
adjective
fra·ter·nal
frə-ˈtərn-ᵊl
1
a
: of or relating to brothers
b
: of, relating to, or being a fraternity
Medical Definition
fraternal
adjective
fra·ter·nal
frə-ˈtərn-ᵊl
: derived from two ova : dizygotic
fraternal twins
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
