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uncle

noun
un·​cle | \ ˈəŋ-kəl How to pronounce uncle (audio) \

Definition of uncle

1a : 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

Examples of uncle in a Sentence

I have three uncles and two aunts. My Uncle David is visiting next week.

First Known Use of uncle

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for uncle

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

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The first known use of uncle was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for uncle

uncle

noun
How to pronounce uncle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of uncle

: the brother of your father or mother or the husband of your aunt
US, informal —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

See the full definition for uncle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

uncle

noun
un·​cle | \ ˈəŋ-kəl How to pronounce uncle (audio) \

Kids Definition of uncle

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on uncle

Rhyming Dictionary: 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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