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

We’re a long way from Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post portraits of doting parents taking their rosy-cheeked children to the avuncular family doctor for back-to-school checkups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 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

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

But the officer’s contempt is not, as in other armies, avuncular theatricality.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut