next of kin

noun phrase

: one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person

Examples of next of kin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The investigation remained ongoing, and the woman’s identity was being withheld pending notification of next of kin, the Sheriff’s Office said. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

The Star is not identifying the victim because his next of kin has not been notified, according to the report. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

In an email to PEOPLE on Wednesday, July 22, the department identified the victim as Roberto Hernandez, 45, and said that his next of kin had been notified. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

The woman’s identity will be released upon notification of next of kin. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for next of kin

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

Legal Definition

next of kin

1

: one or more living persons in the nearest degree of relationship to a particular individual

2

: those persons entitled by statute to receive the property in an intestate's estate compare heir