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 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gracie’s dad, Ricky, and her uncle, Joel, got their kicks playing soccer at Marmion before going Division I in college. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025

Self recruited Bynum’s uncle, Will Bynum, when Self had just started coaching at Kansas in 2003. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025

That there'll be someone, something in the exhibition that reminds you of your uncle, your father, your mom–whoever. —Scarlett Newman, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

Mackey joins a cast that will also include Daniel Craig, as uncle of Digory Kirke, and Meryl Streep as lion Aslan the Great. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025

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
• 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