great-uncle

American  

[greyt-uhng-kuhl] / ˈgreɪtˌʌŋ kəl /

noun

1. a granduncle.

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great-uncle British  

noun

1. an uncle of one's father or mother; brother of one's grandfather or grandmother

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Compare meaning

How does great-uncle compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• granduncle vs. great-uncle

Example Sentences

So far, "Sinners" is perhaps his most personal project -- sparked by wanting to learn more about a great-uncle who had introduced him to the blues and was from Mississippi.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

My great-uncle, a traditional yellow-dog Democrat who was born during the Depression and named for Franklin Roosevelt, predicted approvingly that Jackson would “light a fire” under the audience.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

He worked as a page for great-uncle Ted Kennedy and family friend John Kerry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

Myers grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, as part of a musical family that includes a great-uncle who co-founded the band Lonestar and another great-uncle who plays keys for George Strait.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

My great-uncle Terry, Robbie’s husband, had abandoned a career as a plumber for the same reason, instead becoming a Pullman porter.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama