uncle

noun

un·​cle ˈəŋ-kəl How to pronounce uncle (audio)
1
a
: the brother of one's father or mother
b
: the husband of one's aunt or uncle
2
: one who helps, advises, or encourages
3
—used as a cry of surrender
was forced to cry/say uncle [=was forced to surrender]
4
Uncle : uncle sam
see also:
say uncle

Examples of uncle in a Sentence

I have three uncles and two aunts. My Uncle David is visiting next week.
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.
Shatner’s Star Trek captain was your slightly drunk uncle, always deciding the rules never applied to him and winking rapaciously at the nearest sexy alien. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 The shocking 2013 execution of Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Un’s uncle, unnerved Ri. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026 One student was Chelsea Blackmon-Lane, who learned that her great-great uncle, Rubin Stacy, was among those buried in an unmarked grave at Woodlawn. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 Hoping to sell the property while preserving his uncle’s legacy, Joe finds himself at odds with Darren (Swardson), the ambitious owner of a neighbouring go-kart track determined to bulldoze the course and expand his racing empire. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avunculus mother's brother; akin to Old English ēam uncle, Welsh ewythr, Latin avus grandfather

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncle was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing uncle

Rhymes for uncle

See All Rhymes for uncle

Browse Nearby Words

unclassified
uncle
unclean
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

uncle

noun
un·​cle ˈəŋ-kəl How to pronounce uncle (audio)
1
: the brother of one's father or mother
2
: the husband of one's aunt or uncle

More from Merriam-Webster on uncle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about uncle

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