What does sisterhood mean?
Sisterhood is a noun with two closely related meanings. It can denote an organized community of women or sisters, such as a religious order or a group formed around a charitable, social, or political purpose. More broadly, it refers to the bond of friendship, solidarity, and mutual support that exists among women. The word carries warm, affirmative connotations, suggesting companionship and collective strength rather than merely membership in an organization. Historically, sisterhood often had a religious or monastic association, but modern usage has expanded to describe women’s networks and feminist communities. In a sentence such as “She found strength in the sisterhood of her colleagues,” the word describes relationships among people rather than a formal institution; in “She joined a religious sisterhood,” it denotes the organization itself. The distinction allows the word to express both belonging to a group and the emotional solidarity created by shared experience.
nounAn association or community of women or sisters, especially a religious order or a group organized around a shared purpose. In modern usage, it also denotes solidarity, mutual support, and fellowship among women.
- A community or association of women or sisters united by a shared religious, social, or political purpose.
- The state or condition of being united as sisters through friendship, mutual support, and solidarity.
"The campaign brought together a sisterhood of volunteers from across the country."
"She joined a local sisterhood that organized monthly volunteer projects."
"The experience forged a deep sisterhood among the rescue workers."
Used when referring to more than one women’s organization or distinct sisterhoods.
"The two sisterhoods collaborated on a community education programme."
From religious communities to global feminist movements, “sisterhood” has long meant women joining together for mutual support and collective purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sisterhood come from?
Sisterhood was formed in English from sister and the suffix -hood, which denotes a state, condition, or collective group. The element sister ultimately derives from Old English sweostor, while -hood descends from Old English -hād, meaning “state” or “condition.” English has long used -hood to form collective nouns for similarly connected people, including brother-, father-, and mother-hood.
Related word forms
How sisterhood is actually used
The word is used in both British and American English. Its religious sense refers especially to an order or congregation of nuns, while its modern social and political senses emphasize female solidarity and are especially associated with feminist and women’s organizations.
Easily confused with sisterhood
A sisterhood is a broad association or bond among women, whereas a sorority commonly refers to a specific women’s student organization or its members.