membership

noun

mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship How to pronounce membership (audio)
plural memberships
Synonyms of membershipnext
1
: the state or status of being a member
2
: the body of members
an organization with a large membership
3
mathematics : the relation between an element of a set (see set entry 2 sense 21) or class and the set or class itself compare inclusion sense 3a

Examples of membership in a Sentence

What is the cost of a one-year membership? Membership in the club doubled last year. clubs that are hoping to increase their membership The club has a large membership. clubs that are hoping to increase their memberships
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Combine your membership perks with existing sales to make your savings go even further. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 Sectarian conflict broke out among rival factions vying to steer the group’s suddenly growing membership. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 The card doesn't have an annual fee (outside of requiring a Prime membership for approval) and earns 5% cash back on your Amazon purchases. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Skratch also interviewed other sources for its story who hinted at potential infidelity by Mickelson amid abrupt endings of memberships at other golf clubs. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for membership

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of membership was in 1614

Rhymes for membership

See All Rhymes for membership

Browse Nearby Words

memberless
membership
membership star
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Membership.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/membership. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

membership

noun
mem·​ber·​ship ˈmem-bər-ˌship How to pronounce membership (audio)
1
: the state or status of being a member
2
: all the members of an organization

More from Merriam-Webster on membership

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for membership

Nglish: Translation of membership for Spanish Speakers

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