immediate family

[ih-mee-dee-it fam-uh-lee, fam lee]

noun

1. a social unit consisting of people who are very closely related, usually including parents, siblings, spouses, and children, or the members of this social unit.

   Benefits include free medical treatment for the employee and immediate family.

   Members of her immediate family and several former colleagues were also in attendance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of immediate family¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

She added that button-hole flowers used to be for the whole wedding party, but were now just for the groom and immediate family.

From BBC

Officials said the children and their immediate family had been evacuated from Gaza to Jordan, where they were supported by British Embassy staff as they underwent security checks before their arrival in the UK.

From BBC

Her immediate family, including her widower the Duke of Kent and their three children, were there and attended a service marking the reception of the duchess' coffin into the cathedral.

From BBC

Secret Service protection extends far beyond the agents that drive a protectee, and protect them and their immediate family.

From BBC

On Tuesday, Rivas introduced a bill that would require ICE to notify an immediate family member of a detainee within 24 hours of a detainee’s transfer.

From Los Angeles Times