nephew

[ nef-yooor, especially British, nev-yoo ]

noun

1. a son of one's brother or sister.
2. a son of one's spouse's brother or sister.
3. an illegitimate son of a clergyman who has vowed celibacy (used as a euphemism).
4. Obsolete. a direct descendant, especially a grandson.
5. Obsolete. a remote male descendant, as a grandnephew or cousin.

nephew

/ ˈnɛf-; ˈnɛvjuː /

noun

1. a son of one's sister or brother

Word History and Origins

Origin of nephew¹

1250–1300; Middle English neveu < Old French < Latin nepōtem, accusative of nepōs nephew, grandson; akin to Old English nefa, Dutch neef, German Neffe, Old Norse nefi; the pseudo-etymological spelling with ph has influenced pronunciation

Word History and Origins

Origin of nephew¹

C13: from Old French neveu, from Latin nepōs; related to Old English nefa, Old High German nevo relative

Example Sentences

Stanton’s dragon aunt is up in arms that her nephew is engaged to Elinor when he’s already promised to one of her two daughters, whose names and identities she can’t even keep straight.

From Los Angeles Times

The artist says he'll finish his painting of his great nephew and then "I will paint somebody else. And I just carry on."

From BBC

Their first after moving out of their parents’ homes, it has become a central hub for their family, including their five nieces and nephews, who are regular visitors.

From Los Angeles Times

The band famously thrived after the death of its original lead singer and capably replaced the late founding guitarist Malcolm Young with his nephew.

From Los Angeles Times

“My priority is my sister, niece and nephew and my mom.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aunt
• cousin
• father
• folk
• mother
• niece
• sibling
• uncle