aunt

noun

ˈant  ˈänt 

1

: the sister of one's father or mother

2

: the wife of one's uncle or aunt

aunthood

ˈant-ˌhu̇d 

ˈänt-

noun

auntlike

ˈant-ˌlīk 

ˈänt-

adjective

auntly adjective

Examples of aunt in a Sentence

He has three aunts and two uncles.

This is my Aunt Mary.

Recent Examples on the Web

My dad, who wears an insulin pump, and my aunt, who hadn’t flown internationally since 2004, definitely required some handholding at this point. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

If grandparents aren’t available If grandparents aren't available for whatever reason, Farina recommends considering calling on extended family such as aunts, uncles and cousins to build a sense of community for your children. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 7 Mar. 2026

Shortly after Davis’ death, Stephens’ aunt died. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Silva-Soto’s memories are filled with attending birthday parties, going to church and hosting large family get-togethers with these aunts. —Anna Heqimi, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French ante, from Latin amita; akin to Old High German amma mother, nurse, Greek amma nurse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aunt

• agony aunt
• aunt-in-law
• great-aunt

Rhymes for aunt

• ant
• cant
• chant
• gant
• lant
• pant
• plant
• quant
• rant
• sant
• scant
• slant

Kids Definition

aunt

noun

ˈant 

ˈȧnt

1

: the sister of one's father or mother

2

: the wife of one's uncle or aunt