nephew

noun

neph·​ew ˈne-(ˌ)fyü 

 chiefly British  -(ˌ)vyü

plural nephews

1

: a son of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law

2

obsolete : a lineal (see lineal sense 3) descendant

especially : grandson

Examples of nephew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's everything to know about the true story behind Young Sheldon and how Jim Parsons' nephew inspired The Big Bang Theory prequel. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 17 May 2025

The Indian Express news site interviewed the uncle of the man in the coma, who said his nephew had owned a business but the pandemic left him in financial trouble. —Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025

John, a former marketing consultant, created the series over a decade ago after being inspired by his young nephew and held the titular role of Blippi, complete with orange glasses, until 2021. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 13 May 2025

Trade kids around, so that grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, or any combination of family members who don’t regularly get to see each other have the chance to bond in a more intimate setting. —Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 12 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nevew, from Anglo-French nevou, neveu, from Latin nepot-, nepos grandson, nephew; akin to Old English nefa grandson, nephew, Sanskrit napāt grandson

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing nephew

• great-nephew

Kids Definition

nephew

noun

neph·​ew ˈnef-yü 

: a son of one's brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law