kinship

noun

kin·​ship ˈkin-ˌship How to pronounce kinship (audio)
: 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.
For all the suffering at this table, there’s a redemptive kinship as well, and a recognition that feels like rescue. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025 From adjoining lockers to neighboring spots in stretch lines, the two appear to have quickly developed a kinship. Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 That may come from kinship, ownership of assets or government programs that effect such transfers. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 About four months after Auditor Allison Ball sued Beshear's administration over its failure to implement a bill concerning kinship care, a Frankfort judge has tossed out the lawsuit. Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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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