brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrə-t͟hər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən 

ˈbre-t͟hə-rən,

-t͟hərn

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 : a Black boy or man : 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 in a Sentence

We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas.

the brothers in a monastery

Recent Examples on the Web

His brother, second-year player Damari Brown, is a front-runner to start at cornerback for UM this season. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, the trio navigates meeting their mom Barbara’s (Margaret Colin) new boyfriend and the brothers grapple with their own feelings about this relationship. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, the trio navigates meeting their mom Barbara’s new boyfriend and the brothers grapple with their own feelings about this relationship. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2024

Finneas, Eilish’s older brother and longtime collaborator, corroborates this. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024

So helping your little sister or brother isn't this burden or obligation. —Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024

The Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter and his younger brother, Aaron, an early-2000s teen pop sensation of his own, will be the subjects of the next big Investigation Discovery docuseries. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2024

The controversies surrounding Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter and his late brother, Aaron Carter, will be the subject of an upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024

The store never closed when the brothers bought it from John and Anne Nehring and the same assortment of groceries and specialty food goods is available. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

Phrases Containing brother

• big brother
• blood brother
• brother-in-law
• brother/sister/comrade in arms
• foster brother/sister
• half brother
• little brother/sister
• soul brother

Kids Definition

brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrət͟h-ər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h- (ə-)rən 

ˈbret͟h-ərn

1

: a male who has one or both parents in common with another

2

: a male relative

3

: a fellow member of a group