noun
uncle
UHNG-kl
noun
1
The brother of one's mother or father, or the husband of one's aunt.
"My uncle took me fishing every summer."
2
A term of affection or respect for an older man who is a close family friend, not necessarily a blood relative.
"The kids call him Uncle Joe even though he's not really family."
intj
1
A word shouted to admit defeat, especially as a child during play-fighting.
""Uncle! Uncle!" he yelled, and his brother let go."
How to Use Uncle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour parent's brother — or, informally, any older man treated like family.
Common pairings
say uncle
favorite uncle
Word Forms
uncled past tense, uncles plural, uncles singular
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Etymology
From Middle English uncle, via Old French oncle, from Latin avunculus ("maternal uncle," literally "little grandfather").