great-uncle

noun

great-un·​cle ˈgrāt-ˈəŋ-kəl How to pronounce great-uncle (audio)

Examples of great-uncle in a Sentence

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.
In the sprawling home of my great-uncle, who spent many years as a sales representative for Harper & Row—before it was absorbed into HarperCollins, now my own publisher—and the duplex townhouses of my grandparents. Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025 His great-uncle, Bill Nieder, is a Kansas Sports Hall of Famer as a 1955 national champion for the University of Kansas and a 1960 gold medalist for the United States Olympic team as a shotputter. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025 That included his great-uncle’s home. Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025 The film also notably starred Barrymore’s great-uncle, Lionel Barrymore, as fishing boat captain Disko Troop. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for great-uncle

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great-uncle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Great-uncle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great-uncle. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

great-uncle

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on great-uncle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!