What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
littermate
Example
The littermates played together in the backyard. [littermate: noun]
Example
The breeder sold all the littermates to different families. [littermates: plural noun]
sibling
Example
I have three siblings - two sisters and a brother. [siblings: plural noun]
Example
My sister is my closest sibling. [sibling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sibling is more commonly used than littermate in everyday language. Sibling is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of familial relationships, while littermate is a more specific term that is mostly used in the context of animal breeding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between littermate and sibling?
Both littermate and sibling are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
