What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
birthmate
Example
My twin sister is my birthmate. [birthmate: noun]
Example
We are not only classmates but also birthmates, as we were both born in July. [birthmates: plural noun]
sibling
Example
I have two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. [siblings: plural noun]
Example
She is my half-sibling, as we share the same father but have different mothers. [sibling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sibling is a more commonly used term in everyday language. It is widely understood and covers a wide range of family relationships. Birthmate, on the other hand, is a less common term and may not be widely known or used outside of specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between birthmate and sibling?
While sibling is a more formal and widely accepted term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, birthmate may sound more technical or specialized, making it more suitable for specific or technical discussions.