membership

[mem-ber-ship]

noun

1. the state of being a member, as of a society or club.

2. the status of a member.

3. the total number of members belonging to an organization, society, etc.

membership

/ ˈmɛmbəˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the members of an organization collectively

2. the state of being a member

Word History and Origins

Origin of membership¹

First recorded in 1640–50; member + -ship

Example Sentences

When Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine started asking for membership in the European Union and NATO, Russia realized it wouldn’t be able to convince them to stay with economic appeal or soft power.

From Los Angeles Times

Ribeiro-Addy, a backbencher from the left of the party, said: "It is absolutely unfair, and I don't think it's what the membership want".

From BBC

Those who clear the bar face a vote by party membership.

From BBC

The government proscribed Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation in July, making membership of or support of the group a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

From BBC

It does have access to the EU's single market through its membership of the European Economic Area, so it has to respect its rules.

From BBC

Related Words

• enrollment 
• participation