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

He was invited to the home of Donaldson’s uncle, Eli Rosier, who ran the North Florida Elite AAU girls’ basketball program (and happens to be the father of former UM quarterback Malik Rosier). —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 21 Nov. 2025

Judy Courdy grew up riding horses every summer at her uncle's Midwest farm. —Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Or don’t, and suffer your uncle’s views on ICE over apple pie à la mode. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 Nov. 2025

Their sincere collaboration even involves their extended families, with Agbariya’s brother playing the role of Khaled’s uncle, plus Pollak’s wife and daughter portraying friendly people that Khaled meets on the Tel Aviv streets. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 21 Nov. 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