uncle Definition
- 1the brother of one's father or mother
- 2the husband of one's aunt
Using uncle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "uncle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
My uncle is coming to visit us this weekend.
Example
She has a close relationship with her uncle.
Example
He inherited the house from his uncle.
Example
I have two uncles on my mother's side.
uncle Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using uncle
play uncle
to act as if one is an authority figure or mentor to someone else, especially a child
Example
He likes to play uncle to his younger cousins.
Example
After hours of arguing, he finally cried uncle and agreed to her proposal.
Example
He always brings the coolest gifts and takes them on fun outings. He's definitely the cool uncle.
Phrases with uncle
great-uncle
the brother of one's grandparent
Example
My great-uncle fought in World War II.
uncle Sam
a personification of the United States government or its policies
Example
Uncle Sam wants you to join the army.
uncle Tom
a black person who is regarded as being subservient or excessively deferential to white people
Example
The character Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel is often criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Origins of uncle
from Middle English 'unkel', from Old French 'oncle', from Latin 'avunculus', meaning 'maternal uncle'
Summary: uncle in Brief
'Uncle' [ˈʌŋkl] refers to the brother of one's father or mother, or the husband of one's aunt. It is a familial term that denotes a close relationship, as in 'She has a close relationship with her uncle.' The phrase 'play uncle' means to act as an authority figure or mentor, while 'cry uncle' means to admit defeat. A 'cool uncle' is seen as fun, hip, or fashionable by his nieces and nephews.
