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 Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the driver’s name after notifying next of kin. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Sandra is adorned with a red tag, which, as the technicians on hand explain, means next of kin are known and yet to be notified. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 17 July 2026

The first responders in any crisis are usually next of kin, neighbors and local mutual aid groups. — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Officers retrieved the body, and the identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 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