noun
kinsman
KIHNZ-muhn
Kinsman (noun) means a male relative. Example: “The old man left his farm to his nearest kinsman.”
noun
1
A male relative.
"The old man left his farm to his nearest kinsman."
How to use kinsman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA male member of your family, especially used in older or formal writing.
When to use it
Somewhat old-fashioned or literary today; "relative" is the everyday word.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like kinsman.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- kinsmen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old man left his farm to his nearest _____.
Etymology
From Middle English "kynnesman," built from kin plus man.
Frequently asked questions
What does “kinsman” mean?
The word “kinsman” means a male relative. In plain terms, a male member of your family, especially used in older or formal writing.
How do you pronounce “kinsman”?
“Kinsman” is pronounced KIHNZ-muhn ([ˈkʰɪnz.mən] in IPA).
How do you use “kinsman” in a sentence?
Here is “kinsman” used in a sentence: “The old man left his farm to his nearest kinsman.”
What part of speech is “kinsman”?
“Kinsman” is a noun.
Where does the word “kinsman” come from?
The word “kinsman” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "kynnesman," built from kin plus man.
