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

Legendary singer Dolly Parton trusted her nephew, Bryan Seaver, with announcing her death to the world. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2026

Xavier's aunt attended the meeting after her nephew fell to his death from the fourth floor at Benjamin Franklin High School. — Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

His family had wielded unbridled power — with his son, brothers, nephews and nieces holding top government positions. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Can the letter writer let sister know her fuss over food and product choices for 4-year-old nephew is hard to watch? — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026

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