kindred
Americannoun
adjective
-
associated by origin, nature, qualities, etc..
kindred languages.
-
having the same belief, attitude, or feeling.
We are kindred spirits on the issue of gun control.
-
related by birth or descent; having kinship.
kindred tribes.
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belonging to kin or relatives.
kindred blood.
adjective
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having similar or common qualities, origin, etc
-
related by blood or marriage
-
a person with whom one has something in common
noun
-
relationship by blood
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similarity in character
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a person's relatives collectively
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of kindred
First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, variant (with epenthetic d ) of kinrede; see kin, -red
Explanation
Your kindred are your people. If you say are going to visit your kindred during the holidays, that means you are going to visit your relatives. The word kindred can be used as either an adjective or a noun. The noun version is somewhat archaic — you are more likely to encounter this word in classic literature than in casual conversation. You may be more familiar with the adjective version of the word, which has gained popular usage in the term “kindred spirit” or “kindred soul,” which is used to describe those who share similar attitudes, characteristics, or beliefs.
Vocabulary lists containing kindred
Romeo and Juliet
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The Call of the Wild
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Things Fall Apart
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Modern platforms like HomeExchange and Kindred have digitized this trust by requiring government-issued identification and address verification to minimize anonymity.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026
Kindred polling suggests that 40% of parents think reducing screen time would help ensure their child is ready for Reception.
From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026
Kindred is about halfway through harvesting this year’s soybean crop.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025
“We’ll see the bottom drop out if we don’t get a deal with China soon,” said Ron Kindred, who farms 1,700 acres of corn and soybeans in central Illinois.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025
“Paragon of Sound. Kindred marvel,” Headmarveller MacDonald said.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
