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Definition of uncle
uncle
/ˈʌŋ.kəl/
un · cle
Plural:uncles
•Adjective:avuncular
uncle Lexical Profile
CEFR
A1
Grade
1
Tier
1
Usage
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Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The brother of one's father or mother.
Example
"We visit my uncle and aunt every summer at their cabin by the lake."
2
The husband of one's aunt.
Example
"Her aunt's husband officially became her uncle after they were married in the spring."
3
An older male friend of one's parents, often used as an affectionate or respectful term of address by children.
Example
"Even though they were not blood relatives, the children always referred to their father's best friend as Uncle John."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for uncle• Rhymes for uncle
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Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'oncle', borrowed from Old French 'oncle', derived from Latin 'avunculus', meaning 'mother's brother'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uncle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 11, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uncle