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.
The tension between softness and strength falls in line with John Hardy’s existing design vocabulary, Krakoff said, even as the siblings pushed its expression in new directions. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 The Los Angeles Police Department is offering a $50,000 reward in hopes of finding the hit-and-run suspect who struck two siblings walking on a South Los Angeles street with their mother last month, killing one of the teens. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The siblings built on their father’s enterprise and launched Dumont in India in 1999 as an ice cream manufacturer, according to the business website. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Younger siblings often grow up watching their older sibling play sports. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 22 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 27 Oct. 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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