noun
aunt
ahnt
noun
1
The sister of one's mother or father, or the wife of one's uncle.
"My aunt used to take me to the seaside every summer."
"She's not a blood relative — she's my uncle's wife, so she's my aunt by marriage."
2
An older woman treated as part of the family even though she isn't a relative, out of affection and respect.
"The kids call her "Auntie" even though she's just their mum's best friend."
How to Use Aunt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour parent's sister, or your uncle's wife — and informally, any older woman close to the family.
Common pairings
my aunt
aunt and uncle
aunt's house
Word Forms
aunts plural
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My _____ used to take me to the seaside every summer.
Etymology
From Old French ante, going back to Latin amita ("father's sister"). It replaced an older English word for aunt that came from "mother."