avuncular

adjective

avun·​cu·​lar ə-ˈvəŋ-kyə-lər 

1

: suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality

avuncular indulgence

Jovial and avuncular, the President's chief of staff seems oblivious to the pressures that accompany what is arguably the second most powerful job in the land.

—Craig Unger

2

: of or relating to an uncle

Two weeks of poker had led to his writing to his uncle a distressed, but confident, request for more funds; and the avuncular foot had come down with a joyous bang.

—P. G. Wodehouse

avuncularity

ə-ˌvəŋ-kyə-ˈla-rə-tē 

-ˈler-ə-

noun

avuncularly

ə-ˈvəŋ-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Did you know?

The Origin of Avuncular Is Familial

Not all uncles are likeable fellows (Hamlet's villainous Uncle Claudius, for example, isn't exactly Mr. Nice Guy in Shakespeare's tragedy), but avuncular reveals that, as a group, uncles are often seen as friendly and kindhearted. Avuncular comes from the Latin noun avunculus, which means "maternal uncle," but since at least the 19th century English speakers have used avuncular to describe uncles from either side of the family, or people who are uncle-like in character or behavior. Avunculus is also an ancestor of the word uncle itself.

Examples of avuncular in a Sentence

a man known for his avuncular charm

Recent Examples on the Web

Roker confessed to trying to imitate Scott’s avuncular style early on. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 June 2025

Indeed, just about the only person in his corner is Stan (Jared Harris), an avuncular drama teacher who assumes responsibility for his rehabilitation — even though Nathan initially resists (and, to a large degree, mistrusts) anyone who tries to draw him out of his downward spiral. —Joe Leydon, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

Instead of acknowledging the direct correlation between corporate valuation and needs met and led, Coyle invariably reverts to the state as the avuncular father figure. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

An unassuming, avuncular man, Kubilius seems remarkably undaunted by the challenges ahead, including where to find the money. —Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin avunculus maternal uncle — more at uncle

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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