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

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.
His uncle, Bernie Cantens, was a four-year letter-winner at FIU from 1984 to 1987. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026 Both grandparents died in the blast – which flattened the house – as well as two uncles, one of whom was in a house across the street. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026 The afternoon started on the main stage — dubbed Luck World Headquarters — with Levi Snider leading the early crowd in a singalong of standards written by his uncle Todd. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026 Niknan’s uncle lives in Isfahan, south of Tehran. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncle. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

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

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