sibling

[ sib-ling ]

noun

1. a brother or sister.
2. Anthropology. a comember of a sib, a unilateral descent group thought to share kinship through a common ancestor.

adjective

1. of or relating to a brother or sister:

   sibling rivalry.

sibling

/ ˈsɪblɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a person's brother or sister
   2. ( as modifier )

      sibling rivalry

2. any fellow member of a sib

Other Words From

• half-sibling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibling¹

before 1000; late Middle English: relative, Old English; sib, -ling ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibling¹

C19: specialized modern use of Old English sibling relative, from sib ; see -ling ¹

Example Sentences

The actor grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., with five siblings and was largely raised by his father.

From Los Angeles Times

Two siblings of Nigerian and Grenadian heritage founded Chuku’s as a way to introduce the uninitiated to Nigerian dining, and as a way for members of the diaspora to connect with their culture.

From New York Times

Habituation -- adaptation's less-glamorous sibling -- involves the lessening response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

From Science Daily

Many parents are all too familiar with angry outbursts from their children, from sibling squabbles to protests over screen time limits.

From Science Daily

But she fears his impending presidency, because she worries about her siblings who are in the country without authorization.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brother
• relative
• sister