# sorority

/sɝˈɔɹəti/ (US) · /sɔːɹˈɒɹɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sorority
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. university social club

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a social club for female students at a college or university, often with its own house.

For teachers: a social organization of female students at a college or university, typically identified by Greek letters and often residential.

- She decided to join a sorority during her first year at university to meet new friends.
- The university's oldest sorority recently celebrated its centennial, highlighting a long history of community service and networking among its female graduates.

Usage: The term is primarily used in the United States and the Philippines; in other English-speaking countries, 'society' or 'club' is more common.

Teaching tip: While 'fraternity' can sometimes refer to mixed-gender groups, 'sorority' is strictly for women.

### 2. a sisterhood

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a group of women who share the same interests, goals, or profession.

For teachers: a group of women associated for a common purpose or sharing a common bond; a sisterhood.

- The female pilots felt a strong sense of sorority within the male-dominated industry.
- The novel explores the deep sorority between the three protagonists as they navigate the challenges of the early twentieth century.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word is less about a specific club and more about the emotional bond between women.

## Examples

- She decided to join a sorority during her first year of college.
- The sorority organized a charity run to raise money for the local children's hospital.
- While some critics argue that the sorority system encourages social exclusion, many members credit these organizations with providing lifelong professional networks and a sense of community on large campuses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.