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

As the pair wait to find out if Alpha is destined to become another petrified victim of the virus, her estranged uncle Amin (Tahar Rahim) comes back into the picture, plagued by the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. —Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2025

Ryan needs to save his uncle’s farm with Sammy’s help. —Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025

According to Snyder's interview with The Christian Post, her uncle Rich Snyder was the first to incorporate the Bible verses on wrappers and cups. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025

Kevin’s nephew is following in his football footsteps In addition to his children, Kevin is an uncle to his nephew, Tavion Faulk. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 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
• 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