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

Hollinger’s analysis: The big winner of the draft combine after being relatively unheralded at Penn State, my Swiss brother Yanic is a shot-blocking, rim-running center who needs to round out his offensive game and perhaps fill out a bit more physically. —Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2025

But the project is also right at home for Laika, as it’s set in a secret forest just outside of Laika’s home in Portland and follows a girl whose baby brother is taken into the forest, only to discover an exotic world of talking animals and bandits. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 June 2025

In the South of France, a long way from Los Angeles and their Maryland roots, brothers Joel and Benji looked around and saw just how many of their dreams have come true. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025

Since Jerry Buss’ death, the family has occasionally clashed over control, with Jeanie Buss removing her brother Jim from his position as executive vice president of basketball operations in 2017. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 25 June 2025

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

Rhymes for brother

• mother
• nother
• other
• smother
• souther
• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• stepmother

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