next of kin

noun

1. a person's nearest relative or relatives.

   The newspaper did not publish the names of casualties until the next of kin had been notified.

2. Law.,  the nearest relative or relatives who share in the estate of a person who dies intestate.

next of kin

noun

1. a person's closest relative or relatives

Word History and Origins

Origin of next of kin¹

First recorded in 1760–70