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.
The terms of a two-year membership agreement with the EFL limit Wednesday to spending £2million a season on transfers and loan fees, a figure that remains constant regardless of how much is recouped from player sales. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Ownership includes membership to the Ocean House Club, giving residents access to the resort’s Ocean Beach and the Dune Cottage, as well as a members-only club room, lap pool, fitness center, spa, wine cellar, and tasting room. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026 Since most of the rewards are tied to your Chime membership (the highest requiring $3,000+ in qualifying direct deposits every 34 days), this card is best suited for those who use Chime frequently. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 The proposals, many of them already before Congress, call for a permanent police presence in Chile’s most dangerous neighborhoods, tougher penalties for gang membership and a new state agency to seize and destroy assets linked to organized crime. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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