brother

broth·er

noun \ˈbrə-thər\

plural brothers also breth·ren \ˈbreth-rən; ˈbre-thə-rən, -thərn\

Definition of BROTHER

1

: a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another

2

: one related to another by common ties or interests

3

: a fellow member —used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations

4

: one of a type similar to another

5

a : kinsman

b : one who shares with another a common national or racial origin; especially : soul brother

6

a capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work

b : a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders <a lay brother>

Examples of BROTHER

1. We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas.
2. the brothers in a monastery

Origin of BROTHER

Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Forms of Address Terms

appellation, beatitude, brethren, emeritus, esquire, sire, sous

Rhymes with BROTHER

mother, nother, other, smother, tother