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

These pressures not only shape male friendships, but in familial relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers, and how men perceive vulnerability and emotional literacy. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025

Mauti, whose father and brother also played for Joe Paterno, said in April of 2023 that Jay Paterno and Lubrano had been standing in the way of investments into facilities and NIL and not working in the best interest of the football program. —Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025

The two brothers will serve as joint co-CEOs. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025

Some cell phone videos captured her mother, brother and bodyguard walking alongside, but did not directly see the singer. —Bryan West, USA Today, 23 Sep. 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