next of kin

noun phrase

: one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person

Examples of next of kin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Officials have been in touch with Smith’s next of kin, none of whom still live in the area. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Officials have been in touch with Smith's next of kin, none of whom still live in the area. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Her death on Saturday was announced late this week after her next of kin were notified, police say. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The shadow would move across the graves of veterans and their next of kin from the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, World War I, Spanish-American War and Civil War, the model shows. — Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for next of kin

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of next of kin was in the 15th century

Rhymes for next of kin

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Browse Nearby Words

nextly
next of kin
next to
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Cite this Entry

“Next of kin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next%20of%20kin. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

next of kin

1
: one or more living persons in the nearest degree of relationship to a particular individual
2
: those persons entitled by statute to receive the property in an intestate's estate compare heir
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