Membership

/ˈmɛmbərʃɪp/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The status of being a member of a club, organization, or group.

/ˈmɛmbərʃɪp/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The state of being a member of a group or organization.

Annual membership fees provide vital funding for the museum.

💡 Simply: Being a member is like being part of a special club or group. It means you get to participate and be involved in what they do, like getting a library card.

👶 For kids: Being part of a club or group, like the school choir or the soccer team!

More Examples

2

He enjoys the benefits of his gym membership.

3

The organization saw a significant increase in membership this year.

How It's Used

Business

"The company offers premium membership to its loyal customers."

Social

"He applied for membership in the local book club."

2

The group of people who are members of an organization.

/ˈmɛmbərʃɪp/

nounneutralmedium
General

The collective body of members.

The membership of the organization has diverse backgrounds.

💡 Simply: This is like talking about all the people who are part of a group. Like, the 'membership' of the school band includes all the students who play instruments.

👶 For kids: All the people in the club or group together!

More Examples

2

The club's membership approved the new bylaws.

3

The membership discussed strategies for the upcoming fundraiser.

How It's Used

Politics

"The party’s membership voted on the new policy."

Organizations

"The club's membership is growing rapidly."

Tip:Think of the collective of the 'ship', the 'members' on board.

Idioms & expressions

Membership has its privileges

People who are members of a group receive benefits that non-members do not.

"As a gold card member, you get access to our airport lounge. Membership has its privileges!"

From 'member' + '-ship'. 'Member' derives from Old French 'membre' and Latin 'membrum', meaning 'limb' or 'part'. The suffix '-ship' denotes a state or condition.

The concept of membership and belonging to groups has been a part of society for centuries, evolving alongside the formation of organizations and communities.

Memory tip

Think of the 'ship' that carries all the 'members' together.

Word Origin

Suffix: -ship (state or condition)

memberhipmembersip

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written