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 Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the deceased after next of kin have been notified. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

The names of the victims have not been released until next of kin are notified, according to police. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

Their identities will be released by the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office pending identificaiton and notification of next of kin. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the person’s name once next of kin are notified. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 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