brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrə-t͟hər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən 

ˈbre-t͟hə-rən,

-t͟hərn

1

: a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another

2

: one related to another by common ties or interests

3

: a fellow member

—used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations

4

: one of a type similar to another

5

a

: kinsman

b

: one who shares with another a common national or racial origin

especially : a Black boy or man : soul brother

6

a

capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work

b

: a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders

a lay brother

Examples of brother in a Sentence

We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas.

the brothers in a monastery

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to making records on his own and with his late brother Artie, Traum was also a key figure in the post-Fifties folk scene thanks to his role as an instructor. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024

Lenny Simmons, brother of the late Richard Simmons, is reflecting on the fitness guru’s life and legacy. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

His older brother Thomas competed in the Olympics in 2008 and 2016 and was an Olympic coach in 2020. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2024

That was five years after Kennedy’s brother, John F. Kennedy, the nation’s first Catholic president, had been assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 17 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing brother

• big brother
• blood brother
• brother-in-law
• brother/sister/comrade in arms
• foster brother/sister
• half brother
• little brother/sister
• soul brother

Kids Definition

brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrət͟h-ər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h- (ə-)rən 

ˈbret͟h-ərn

1

: a male who has one or both parents in common with another

2

: a male relative

3

: a fellow member of a group