1
: the sister of one's father or mother
2
: the wife of one's uncle or aunt
aunthood
ˈant-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce aunt (audio)
ˈänt-
noun
auntlike
ˈant-ˌlīk How to pronounce aunt (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The teen and her five siblings are now living with their grandmother, Tanya Durst, and an aunt, Brittianie Jackson, in Illinois, as the family works to keep the children thriving despite their new reality. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 4 July 2025 Francisco’s aunt Helen Ramon, widely known as Grandma Helen, stopped by. Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 At the time the story was published, Spielberg's paternal aunt, Natalie Spielberg Guttman, still lived in the area, along with her husband, Jack, her son, Sam, and her daughter, Debbie. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Ferris’ aunt, Darlene Harde, drove out to San Diego with Ferris to pick up Ryder, a fox-haired terrier and chihuahua mix who is now 10. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for aunt

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aunt was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aunt. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

aunt

noun
ˈant How to pronounce aunt (audio)
ˈȧnt
1
: the sister of one's father or mother
2
: the wife of one's uncle or aunt

More from Merriam-Webster on aunt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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