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uncle

noun un·cle \ ˈəŋ-kəl \

Definition of uncle

1 a : the brother of one's father or mother
b : the husband of one's aunt or uncle
2 : one who helps, advises, or encourages
3 —used as a cry of surrender
  • was forced to cry uncle
4 capitalized : uncle sam

See uncle defined for English-language learners

See uncle defined for kids

Examples of uncle in a Sentence

  1. I have three uncles and two aunts.

  2. My Uncle David is visiting next week.

Origin and Etymology of uncle

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avunculus mother's brother; akin to Old English ēam uncle, Welsh ewythr, Latin avus grandfather

Phrases Related to UNCLE

Related Phrases

UNCLE Defined for English Language Learners

uncle

noun

Definition of uncle for English Language Learners

  • : the brother of your father or mother or the husband of your aunt

  • —used as a word that you say when you are being hurt in a fight to show that you admit being defeated and do not want to continue fighting

UNCLE Defined for Kids

uncle

noun un·cle \ ˈəŋ-kəl \

Definition of uncle for Students

1 : the brother of a person's father or mother
2 : the husband of a person's aunt

Learn More about uncle

  1. See words that rhyme with uncle Spanish Central: Translation of uncle Nglish: Translation of uncle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of uncle for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about uncle

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