gesellschaft

noun

ge·sell·schaft gə-ˈzel-ˌshäft

: a rationally developed mechanistic type of social relationship characterized by impersonally contracted associations between persons

also : a community or society characterized by this relationship compare gemeinschaft

Word History

Etymology

German, companionship, society

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of gesellschaft was in 1928

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Browse Nearby Words

Gesell

gesellschaft

Geshurite

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Gesellschaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesellschaft. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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