uncle

noun

un·​cle ˈəŋ-kəl 

1

a

: the brother of one's father or mother

b

: the husband of one's aunt or uncle

2

: one who helps, advises, or encourages

3

—used as a cry of surrender

was forced to cry/say uncle [=was forced to surrender]

4

Uncle : uncle sam

Examples of uncle in a Sentence

I have three uncles and two aunts.

My Uncle David is visiting next week.

Recent Examples on the Web

My dad was dancing arm-in-arm with Georgie's uncle on the dance floor. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

My mom and dad, both film directors; my uncle, a cinematographer; my aunt, a playwright and actress; my grandpa, a writer and musician; and my grandma, a painter and singer, were all there. —Marcel Ruiz, IndieWire, 8 June 2026

Though Paul Rudd takes first billing — and is on characteristically amiable form as a kindly uncle — relative newcomer Felice Kakaletris is clearly the star of the film, as the highly intelligent, neurodivergent Rose. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 June 2026

The groom’s uncle, Jimmy George, was especially proud to see his son, Pavit, standing by Dave as his best man. —Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avunculus mother's brother; akin to Old English ēam uncle, Welsh ewythr, Latin avus grandfather

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing uncle

• and Bob's your uncle
• cry/say uncle
• Dutch uncle
• great-uncle
• say uncle
• uncle-in-law

Rhymes for uncle

• carbuncle
• peduncle
• siphuncle

Kids Definition

uncle

noun

un·​cle ˈəŋ-kəl 

1

: the brother of one's father or mother

2

: the husband of one's aunt or uncle