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

The smell of brats clings to the air like SPF 50 on a sunburned uncle. — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026

Meanwhile, her other uncle is staying at the hospital for reasons unrelated to the fire. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Abti — Somali for uncle — was taken by ICE, her little sister texted. — Julia Coin updated July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

In the post, the families thanked those who had assisted in the search for the couple, and also revealed that members of Castro's family, including his father, grandmother, uncle and aunt, had all died in the earthquake. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 2 July 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