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.
Most of our families have at least one, especially in the Black community, where single parenthood is statistically common, and kinship networks hold historical importance. Ashley Simpo, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026 All felt a kinship with Kahlo and mined her paintings and personal history. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 One of the actors hired for the video shoot has a personal connection to kinship care. Libby Smith, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026 Gradually, the two men gain each other’s trust, and a largely unspoken kinship emerges between them. Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026 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 7 Feb. 2026.

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

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