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

When Nadal emerged as a prodigious teenager, making his ATP Tour debut in 1999 aged 15, he was known simply for being the nephew of Barcelona and Spain footballer Miguel Angel.

From BBC

Jenkins regularly watched “The Lion King,” which he estimates he’s viewed more than 150 times — while babysitting his younger nephews.

From Los Angeles Times

Yeoh added that she felt blessed to also have a number of godchildren, nieces and nephews.

From BBC

The nephew of President JFK, he ran for the White House himself as an independent but dropped out and backed Trump.

From BBC

Mason's uncle, David Knight, said that his nephew was "so loving and caring".

From BBC

Related Words

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