nephew

noun

neph·​ew ˈne-(ˌ)fyü 

 chiefly British  -(ˌ)vyü

plural nephews

1

: a son of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law

2

obsolete : a lineal (see lineal sense 3) descendant

especially : grandson

Examples of nephew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lineage continues at Powell’s alma mater, the University of Texas, where Eli’s and Peyton’s nephew Arch Manning is poised to have the Longhorns ranked atop college football this season. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025

Shortly after the discovery, Koch's nephew posted pictures to X, which drew social media buzz. —Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 19 Aug. 2025

In addition to her husband, Sive is survived by a sister, Helen Paxton; three brothers, Alfred, Walter and Theodore; a nephew; and five nieces. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025

This has resulted in tensions between the duke and his nephew, Prince William, which have lasted for years. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nevew, from Anglo-French nevou, neveu, from Latin nepot-, nepos grandson, nephew; akin to Old English nefa grandson, nephew, Sanskrit napāt grandson

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing nephew

• great-nephew

Kids Definition

nephew

noun

neph·​ew ˈnef-yü 

: a son of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law