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

Example Sentences

She finds help in the avuncular Rabbi Meyer, who steps in as her guardian and advises, “you must learn how to act according to what people say and do, not what they wish or fear.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 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

Though it counts Jesus among its many visitors over the years, said Khaldoon Hanna, Taybeh’s avuncular deputy mayor, these days “no one is coming.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

Lewin is avuncular without seeming overbearing, which is key in a story about a creepy yet bizarrely clownish killer.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 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