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 Pliny the Elder was a naval and army commander of the Roman Empire who died trying to rescue people across the bay from the devastation. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Sonya’s home, which was owned by her husband’s uncle, Chairman Mun, was larger than most houses in Seoul—a full floor, two apartments combined. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 Mini War stars Wilson as Joe, a likable stoner who unexpectedly inherits a mini golf course from his late uncle. — Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026 But this year is different, and the roles are reversed; David and his uncle do the swapping while Peralta stands by to place each sticker carefully into the album. — Maria Jose Gutierrez-Chavez, Curbed, 17 July 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
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Cite this Entry

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

Nglish: Translation of uncle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about uncle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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