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
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.
The ‘Renaissance man,’ tireless worker, culture-builder tasked with turning Colorado around Grading The Week: CU Buffs great Travis Hunter took about 6 seconds to win Jacksonville’s hearts Kelly owns the Rockies, and probably their next of kin. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 May 2025 However, officers were able to re-open some lanes as of 7:30 a.m. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Police said the identity of the SUV driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025 Police say 45-year-old Matthew Nannen and 58-year-old Bailee Crane, whose identities were released following the notification of next of kin, fell approximately 380 feet down the cliff. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 2 May 2025 Their names are still being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Rob Stroud, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for next of kin

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of next of kin was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Next of kin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next%20of%20kin. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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
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