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

With more details emerging about the dispute between Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, and her estate, sources are shedding light on the late singer’s relationship with her relative. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2026

Dean Celia, Froio’s nephew, shared his earliest memories of Froio as a mother figure who helped raise him. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

But, no offense, the most popular person in the stadium on Saturday afternoon will be the Sheriff himself, Peyton Manning, who will be in attendance to watch his nephew Arch Manning square off against his beloved Tennessee Vols. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Many are performers who have collaborated with her Several of Dolly’s nieces and nephews have followed in her musical footsteps. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

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