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

His brother, Olivier Sarr, who is six years older and is now a player within the Raptors’ organization, stands 6-foot-10 and weighs 240 pounds, so Wizards officials think Alex Sarr has the capability to add at least some muscle. —Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Gertrude watched her brother alienate his friends, sapped of mental energy, and increasingly cantankerous. —Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

Nick Sanchez, the brother of Mark Sanchez, issued a statement Monday on behalf of the Sanchez family. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025

Lux previously opened up about her brother to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet of Madrid’s Platino Awards on Sunday, April 27. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 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