sibling

[sib-ling]

noun

1. a brother or sister.

2. Anthropology.,  a comember of a sib, a unilateral descent group thought to share kinship through a common ancestor.

adjective

1. of or relating to a brother or sister.

   sibling rivalry.

sibling

/ ˈsɪblɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a person's brother or sister

   2. ( as modifier )

      sibling rivalry

2. any fellow member of a sib

Other Word Forms

• half-sibling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibling¹

before 1000; late Middle English: relative, Old English; sib, -ling ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibling¹

C19: specialized modern use of Old English sibling relative, from _sib ; see _-ling ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Rein’s humane advice: “Go visit your grandparents, parents, siblings, or friends.”

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"I dreamed of finishing school and becoming a doctor," said the eldest of five siblings who, according to the law, should be in school until the age of 16.

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Among the survivors are two sets of siblings.

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He had fled Kabul with some of his siblings, due to the Afghan civil war.

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Skyy said his resolve was rooted in his upbringing and appreciating what he’s been given, his father once showing him and a few siblings his ramshackle childhood residence in Ocala, Fla.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brother 
• relative 
• sister