sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsi-bliŋ How to pronounce sibling (audio)
1
: sib sense 2
also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent
2
: one of two or more things related by a common tie or characteristic
the sedan's smaller sibling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The family drama between the pair and RHOBH alum Kim is long-running, but only since the Bravo show started airing in 2010 has the tension between the siblings become public knowledge. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023 Her future, and those of her siblings, almost seemed preordained. USA TODAY, 16 May 2023 As a member of The Steeles, a family of five siblings who has become a mainstay of Minnesota’s music scene, Mr. Steele brings a wealth of expertise. Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2023 The members include siblings, childhood or high school friends, including past students at Denby High School. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 9 May 2023 Today, the young prince joined his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and his siblings, Prince George, 9, and Princess Charlotte, 8, at his grandfather's coronation at Westminster Abbey. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 May 2023 Bruce grew up with five siblings in a home tightly circumscribed by T.C.’s paltry salary and the dour provincialism of Simcoe, in the southwest corner of the province, not far from Lake Erie. William Grimes, New York Times, 5 May 2023 My other siblings do not want to initiate any contact with our nephews. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 4 May 2023 George and his younger siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attended a rehearsal for the ceremony alongside other members of the royal family on Wednesday. Sylvia Hui, Fortune, 4 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sibling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sibling was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sibling

Cite this Entry

“Sibling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sibling. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

sibling

noun
sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ How to pronounce sibling (audio)
: one of two or more individuals having the same parents or sometimes only one parent in common

Medical Definition

sibling

noun
sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ How to pronounce sibling (audio)
: sib
also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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