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

Rhaena flees the four-way dragon scrum on foot only to be dragged back by her uncle. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

On the heels of his breakout turn as his late uncle Michael Jackson in Michael, the $1B+ grosser from Lionsgate, Jaafar Jackson has found his next project in Supermax, the action thriller from Amazon MGM Studios and Miramax. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Arthur, not beating the dad-energy allegations, has decided to focus on being a good guy, a good employee, and a good uncle. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

She was inspired to launch 100+ Women Who Care South Suburbs after having conversations with her aunt and uncle. — Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 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