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

The child appeared to struggle communicating with his sibling and mother, while his brother repeatedly tried to give directions to him in Spanish with little avail. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Older siblings and friends can set up accounts for them or act as bookies, and the personal information needed to create accounts is often easy to access. —Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026

Set on a remote Scottish island, the film follows siblings Isla (Rankin) and Sandy (O’Rourke), who spend their days hunting birds, conversing with mythical beings, and fiercely fending off outsiders. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026

Its sibling, meanwhile, has an anthracite dial meant to mimic the depth of space; the slide rule is here, too, paired alongside. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 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