auntie

noun

aunt·​ie ˈan-tē 

ˈän-

variants or aunty

plural aunties

1

: aunt

… she's truly the best auntie in the whole world to her niece and nephew.

—Jeff Munson

We have come to tea with our cousin, and we'll be as good as gold if you'll let us stay, auntie," clamoured the boys …

—Louisa May Alcott

These crosses underneath the letter are really kisses, all from the children who keep asking me about Aunty Daphne, though they do not know you.

—Janet Frame

2

informal, sometimes offensive

—used as a term of affection or respect for an older woman

I've noticed that Gen Z are quick to call anyone in their 30s auntie …

—@afrosypaella, on X, formerly Twitter

When it comes to health advice, the internet is like an unsolicited auntie who means well but somehow makes everything way more confusing …

—Alexis Jones

Examples of auntie in a Sentence

The children were happy to see their Auntie Mary.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cultural boundaries that bind many Black communities, such as the respect for elders and aunties alike, were honored and respected in informal communication – and sometimes in coverage. — Danielle K. Brown, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026

My Indigenous aunties on my dad’s side taught both her and my mother. — Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Senegalese aunties remain the final judges Awards may impress diners. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Watching her in Congress is like scrolling through the Facebook feed of the auntie who fires off unhinged political rants. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for auntie

• ante
• anti
• canty
• grantee
• panty
• scanty
• shanty
• chianti
• vigilante