sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsi-bliŋ 

1

: sib sense 2

also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent

2

: one of two or more things related by a common tie or characteristic

the sedan's smaller sibling

Examples of sibling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Brendan LaFave grew up in a big Catholic family—the second-eldest of eight siblings living in a large house in Ann Arbor, Michigan. —Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

In the Batra family home near Brownsville, Texas, siblings Amrita, Lucas, Aaryan and Jasper are making lunch without their mother, 53-year-old Meenu Batra. —Shanelle Kaul, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

That left no one traditionally assumed by Jewish law to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish on their behalf — siblings, parents or, for adults, children and spouses. —Stewart Ain, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

Measles was then found in three siblings from a different household in Placer County who had contact with the traveling toddler. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing sibling

• sibling rivalry
• sibling species

Kids Definition

sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ 

: one of two or more individuals having the same parents or sometimes only one parent in common

Medical Definition

sibling

noun

sib·​ling ˈsib-liŋ 

: sib

also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent