uncle

noun

un·​cle ˈəŋ-kəl 

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/say uncle [=was forced to surrender]

4

Uncle : uncle sam

Examples of uncle in a Sentence

I have three uncles and two aunts.

My Uncle David is visiting next week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mamdani’s passion for soccer was inherited from his uncle, who passed on the Arsenal gene. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Freeman, who lives in Tacoma, Washington, only recently became aware of the city of Sacramento’s recognition of her uncle. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026

The actor joined Gilmore Girls in its second season, playing a high school student who comes to stay with his uncle Luke in Stars Hollow. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

His father Prince William attended the school from 1995, and his uncle Prince Harry did so from 1998. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing uncle

• and Bob's your uncle
• cry/say uncle
• Dutch uncle
• great-uncle
• say uncle
• uncle-in-law

Rhymes for uncle

• carbuncle
• peduncle
• siphuncle

Kids Definition

uncle

noun

un·​cle ˈəŋ-kəl 

1

: the brother of one's father or mother

2

: the husband of one's aunt or uncle