brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrə-t͟hər How to pronounce brother (audio)
plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən How to pronounce brother (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jensen Ackles also stars as Colter’s estranged brother Russell. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 The sound and music in Dry Leaf is from your brother, who worked with you on a film before. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 Jordan plays twin brothers who are war vets that return to their Southern hometown. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025 The name is a nod to Proximity Cotton Mills, the first denim mill founded by the Cone brothers in 1895. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brother

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brother was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brother. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

brother

noun
broth·​er ˈbrət͟h-ər How to pronounce brother (audio)
plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h- (ə-)rən How to pronounce brother (audio)
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

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