avuncular
Americanadjective
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of or relating to an uncle.
He spoke of his sister's son with avuncular pride.
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acting like an uncle, as in being kind, patient, generous, etc., especially to younger people.
the avuncular, slightly condescending boss of a toy company.
adjective
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of or concerned with an uncle
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resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful
Other Word Forms
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 ( cf. 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.
Vocabulary lists containing avuncular
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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.
And Mr. McKellen is mildly avuncular, radiating a stealthy, benevolent attitude.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026
That is why producers like Moritz work to land them far in advance and why Gelfond has transformed from an avuncular dealmaker into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after arbiters of power.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2025
A bearded, avuncular figure who was serving as New Labour's first health secretary, he was 'persuaded' to stand against his old comrade Ken.
From BBC ● May 7, 2025
“Precise and circumspect, with an avuncular demeanor and an authoritative voice .... Summerall indulged his partner’s many appetites and asides, even when that meant being elbowed aside at the mike and in the limelight.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2024
Dr. Achufusi, an avuncular and pleasant man, pressed at Ifemelu’s side and announced, “It’s your appendix, very inflamed. We should get it out quickly.”
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
