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

Two of the emperor’s eligible successors are Hitachi, Naruhito’s 90-year-old uncle, and his younger brother Akishino, 60. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

His uncle, a niece and a nephew, and other family members have been tested, too. — Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The victim was supporting his wife and three young children as well as a disabled uncle back in his native Ecuador, Palaquibay’s younger brother, who gave his name only as Nico, told The News. — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026

Her uncle told the outlet that Kauana — who had been living in the UAE for two years — fell from the balcony of her room. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 10 July 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