avuncular

American  

[uh-vuhng-kyuh-ler] / əˈvʌŋ kyə lər /

adjective

1. of or relating to an uncle.

   He spoke of his sister's son with avuncular pride.

2. acting like an uncle, as in being kind, patient, generous, etc., especially to younger people.

   the avuncular, slightly condescending boss of a toy company.

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avuncular British  

/ əˈvʌŋkjʊlə /

adjective

1. of or concerned with an uncle

2. resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful

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Other Word Forms

• avuncularity noun
• avuncularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of avuncular

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin avuncul(us) “a mother's brother,” equivalent to av(us) “a forefather” + unattested -ont- + unattested -l(os) diminutive suffix ( uncle ) + -ar ¹

Explanation

Everyone likes an avuncular guy, that is someone who is kind and patient and generally indulgent with people younger than he is. The Dalai Lama is an avuncular fellow. So is Santa Claus. Unless you haven't been good. The word avuncular originally comes from the Latin avunculus, meaning "maternal uncle," and strictly speaking the term describes the relationship between an uncle and his nephew. Uncles, by their very definition, are supposed to be avuncular to their nephews. For many uncles though, Santa Claus is pretty hard to compete with.

Example Sentences

Abdul-Aal, a 72-year-old retired high school sociology teacher with an avuncular smile, likened residents’ behavior around Israeli troops to a lazy student hoping they’re not called on in class.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

And Mr. McKellen is mildly avuncular, radiating a stealthy, benevolent attitude.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

After Ernst arranges the meeting with Disney, Marks pencils in a toothbrush mustache and transforms himself into a creepily avuncular version of the character, whose Midwestern niceness becomes menacing when his business interests are threatened.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2024

With his political lineage and avuncular, scholarly image, Mr Lee is generally well-liked by Singaporeans.

From BBC • May 14, 2024

But my father knew—and I knew—that there was more than just avuncular love at stake for him in these visits.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee