noun
Uncommon
sibling
SIHB-lihng
Sibling (noun) means a brother or sister; someone who shares at least one parent with another person. Example: “She has three siblings, two brothers and a sister.”
noun
1
A brother or sister; someone who shares at least one parent with another person.
"None of my siblings are married yet."
"She has three siblings, two brothers and a sister."
"Sibling rivalry is common among kids close in age."
How to use sibling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gender-neutral word for brother or sister.
Common pairings
sibling rivalry
siblings and parents
younger sibling
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Word forms
- Plural
- siblings
Fill the gap
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She has three _____, two brothers and a sister.
Etymology
Revived around 1903 from the Old English word for "relative, kinsman," combining "sib" (kin) with "-ling."
Class of 1903
sibling joined the language around 1903.
See the full Class of 1903 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sibling” mean?
The word “sibling” means a brother or sister; someone who shares at least one parent with another person. In plain terms, a gender-neutral word for brother or sister.
How do you pronounce “sibling”?
“Sibling” is pronounced SIHB-lihng (/ˈsɪb.lɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sibling” in a sentence?
Here is “sibling” used in a sentence: “She has three siblings, two brothers and a sister.”
What part of speech is “sibling”?
“Sibling” is a noun.
Where does the word “sibling” come from?
The word “sibling” dates back to around 1903 and comes from Old English. Revived around 1903 from the Old English word for "relative, kinsman," combining "sib" (kin) with "-ling.".
Is “sibling” a common word?
“Sibling” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Does "sibling" only mean a brother or sister by blood?
"Sibling" refers to someone who shares at least one parent with another person, which covers full siblings and half-siblings. The core of the definition is shared parentage rather than one specific type of family bond.
What is the difference between "sibling" and "brother" or "sister"?
"Sibling" is a gender-neutral term covering both brothers and sisters, useful when gender is unknown, irrelevant, or when referring to a group that includes both. "Brother" and "sister" specify the gender of the person being described.
Is "sibling" a formal word?
"Sibling" sounds somewhat more formal or clinical than "brother" or "sister," and it is common in medical, legal, and academic contexts as well as everyday speech.
