next of kin

noun phrase

: one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person

Examples of next of kin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office’s coroner division was expected to release her name after notifying her next of kin. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

As of publication, the victim's identity is being withheld until the next of kin is notified. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the police department said, adding that Kariem’s next of kin have been notified. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

The driver’s identity was not released Tuesday, pending notification of next of kin, the Sheriff’s Office said. — Grace Bellinghausen, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for next of kin

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

Legal Definition

next of kin

1

: one or more living persons in the nearest degree of relationship to a particular individual

2

: those persons entitled by statute to receive the property in an intestate's estate compare heir