sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsi-bliŋ 

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

Watson noted that when his grandmother died, the care of his aunt fell to his mother and her other siblings. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025

Because heavy elements can come only from previous generations of stars, the astronomers suspect a population of older stars is tucked behind the bright lights of their younger siblings. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Tension built until a chaotic morning argument erupted into physical fighting between siblings. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Aidan frames Dan for the theft, because estranged siblings are complicated, and so our heroes are forced to prove their innocence by foiling Aidan’s bid for power. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing sibling

• sibling rivalry
• sibling species

Kids Definition

sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ 

: 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 

: sib

also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent