sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsi-bliŋ How to pronounce sibling (audio)
Synonyms of sibling
1
: sib sense 2
also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent
2
: one of two or more things related by a common tie or characteristic
the sedan's smaller sibling

Examples of sibling 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.
This middle sibling recently shared with my parents that the youngest sibling’s home is in a state of unsafe disarray. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 The sisters broke away to dedicate an altar to one of their siblings who recently died and whose death came after a deluge of personal losses. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 That includes 24% who reported estrangement from a sibling, 16% from a parent and 10% from a child. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 On their full-length debut, the buzzy NYC siblings pay tribute to the fuckboy charm of the aughts with their precocious, mischievous, and rapidly evolving pop music. — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sibling

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sibling was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing sibling

Browse Nearby Words

Sibley tent
sibling
sibling rivalry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sibling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sibling. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sibling

noun
sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ How to pronounce sibling (audio)
: one of two or more individuals having the same parents or sometimes only one parent in common

Medical Definition

sibling

noun
sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ How to pronounce sibling (audio)
: sib
also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent

More from Merriam-Webster on sibling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sibling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sibling

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