kinship

noun

kin·​ship ˈkin-ˌship How to pronounce kinship (audio)
Synonyms of kinshipnext
: the quality or state of being kin : relationship

Examples of kinship in a Sentence

He feels a strong kinship with other survivors of the war. feelings of kinship between the team's players and their fans
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.
His choice to so closely blend his personality with his career resembles a lyricist writing diaristic songs, encouraging a sense of kinship between him and his audience. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025 Largely transactional, its partnerships are not grounded in moral obligation or historical kinship. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Raise the Future works with older youth living in foster care, kinship placements, and families who've adopted. Libby Smith, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 Interrogating the complex politics of kinship and complicity, Vasudevan moves beyond simplistic narratives of Western saviors and Southern recipients. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kinship

Word History

Etymology

see kin entry 1

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinship was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kinship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinship. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

kinship

noun
kin·​ship ˈkin-ˌship How to pronounce kinship (audio)
: the quality or state of being kin : relationship

More from Merriam-Webster on kinship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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