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

Brother : 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

Shawn, Will’s brother, has been shot and killed. —Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025

Interestingly, Downs will now wear the same jersey number as his brother, Ohio State standout safety Caleb Downs, who is likely to be one of the top picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Just days prior, King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove his younger brother Andrew's style, title and honors and served notice to vacate Royal Lodge. —Sarah Sotoodeh , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025

My wedding dress, the dress that Robert gave me, the white dress my brother gave me that's on the cover of Wave. —Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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