brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrə-t͟hər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən 

ˈbre-t͟hə-rən,

-t͟hərn

1

: a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another

2

: one related to another by common ties or interests

3

: a fellow member

—used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations

4

: one of a type similar to another

5

a

: kinsman

b

: one who shares with another a common national or racial origin

especially : a Black boy or man : soul brother

6

a

capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work

b

: a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders

a lay brother

Examples of brother in a Sentence

We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas.

the brothers in a monastery

Recent Examples on the Web

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Shoes Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Unsurprisingly, my brother and I aren’t the only fans of these hiking shoes. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025

Her 10-year-old son had been playing video games with his 4-year-old brother sleeping beside him when their mother came in and stabbed the older sibling, according to court documents obtained by WFLD. —Mike Stunson july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2025

Ruffin Boyett, who was with his brother, was the first one awake in his cabin around 4 a.m. Friday. —Michelle Krupa, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

Billy and his brother Boyd are raised by English-speaking American parents on a ranch near the border. —Rachel Ashcroft july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing brother

• big brother
• blood brother
• brother-in-law
• brother/sister/comrade in arms
• foster brother/sister
• half brother
• little brother/sister
• soul brother

Rhymes for brother

• mother
• nother
• other
• smother
• souther
• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• stepmother

Kids Definition

brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrət͟h-ər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h- (ə-)rən 

ˈbret͟h-ərn

1

: a male who has one or both parents in common with another

2

: a male relative

3

: a fellow member of a group