uncle
UHNG-kl
Uncle (noun) means the brother of one's mother or father, or the husband of one's aunt. Example: “My uncle took me fishing every summer.”
noun
1
The brother of one's mother or father, or the husband of one's aunt.
"My uncle took me fishing every summer."
"My uncle is my mother's younger brother and he lives in Leeds."
"Her uncle by marriage built the shed at the bottom of the garden."
2
A term of affection or respect for an older man who is a close family friend, not necessarily a blood relative.
"The kids call him Uncle Joe even though he's not really family."
"We've always called our neighbour Uncle Frank, and he comes to every birthday party."
"The children adore their uncle from next door, who tells wonderful stories."
intj
1
A word shouted to admit defeat, especially as a child during play-fighting.
""Uncle! I give up!" shouted the boy from under a heap of cushions."
""Uncle! Uncle!" he yelled, and his brother let go."
""Uncle!" she gasped, as her cousin pinned her to the grass."
How to use uncle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour parent's brother — or, informally, any older man treated like family.
Common pairings
say uncle
favorite uncle
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Word forms
- Plural
- uncles
- Third person singular
- uncles
- Past tense
- uncled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My _____ took me fishing every summer.
Etymology
From Middle English uncle, via Old French oncle, from Latin avunculus ("maternal uncle," literally "little grandfather").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “uncle” mean?
The word “uncle” means the brother of one's mother or father, or the husband of one's aunt. In plain terms, your parent's brother — or, informally, any older man treated like family.
How do you pronounce “uncle”?
“Uncle” is pronounced UHNG-kl (/ˈʌŋ.kl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “uncle” in a sentence?
Here is “uncle” used in a sentence: “My uncle took me fishing every summer.”
What is another word for “uncle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “uncle” include eam, eme, nuncle, uncley, unclie and uncly.
What is the opposite of “uncle”?
The opposite of “uncle” — its antonyms — are aunt, niece, nephew, boy and aunty.
What part of speech is “uncle”?
Depending on how it is used, “uncle” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “uncle” come from?
The word “uncle” comes from Latin. From Middle English uncle, via Old French oncle, from Latin avunculus ("maternal uncle," literally "little grandfather").
Is “uncle” a common word?
“Uncle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What do you call your uncle's wife?
Your uncle's wife is your aunt, specifically an aunt by marriage rather than by blood. Just as an uncle can be your parent's brother or your aunt's husband, an aunt can be your parent's sister or your uncle's wife. Their children are your first cousins either way.
What is the difference between an uncle and a great-uncle?
An uncle is the brother of your mother or father, or your aunt's husband. A great-uncle, sometimes called a grand-uncle, is one generation further back: the brother of one of your grandparents. So your uncle is your parent's brother, while your great-uncle is your grandparent's brother.
What does 'say uncle' mean?
To 'say uncle' is an informal American expression meaning to give up, surrender, or admit defeat, often used during playful wrestling or teasing. When someone finally says uncle, they are conceding. The phrase has nothing to do with actual uncles; its exact origin is uncertain but likely early twentieth-century.
Is your uncle's child your cousin?
Yes. The children of your uncles and aunts are your first cousins, the people who share a set of grandparents with you. This holds whether the uncle is related to you by blood or by marriage. Your own children and your cousin's children would then be second cousins.
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