kindred

American  

[kin-drid] / ˈkɪn drɪd /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

kindreds plural

1. a person's relatives collectively; kinfolk; kin.

2. a group of persons related to another; family, tribe, or clan.

3. relationship by birth or descent, or sometimes by marriage; kinship.

4. resemblance or connection; affinity.

   spiritual kindred.

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adjective

1. associated by origin, nature, qualities, etc..

   kindred languages.

2. having the same belief, attitude, or feeling.

   We are kindred spirits on the issue of gun control.

3. related by birth or descent; having kinship.

   kindred tribes.

4. belonging to kin or relatives.

   kindred blood.

kindred British  

/ ˈkɪndrɪd /

adjective

1. having similar or common qualities, origin, etc

2. related by blood or marriage

3. a person with whom one has something in common

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noun

1. relationship by blood

2. similarity in character

3. a person's relatives collectively

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• kindredness
  noun
• kindredship
  noun
• kindredless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• kindreds
  plural

Etymology

Origin of kindred

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, variant (with epenthetic d ) of kinrede; see kin, -red

Explanation

Your kindred are your people. If you say are going to visit your kindred during the holidays, that means you are going to visit your relatives. The word kindred can be used as either an adjective or a noun. The noun version is somewhat archaic — you are more likely to encounter this word in classic literature than in casual conversation. You may be more familiar with the adjective version of the word, which has gained popular usage in the term “kindred spirit” or “kindred soul,” which is used to describe those who share similar attitudes, characteristics, or beliefs.

Example Sentences

He also raved about chicken fried steak, posting on X: “Every Scottish person in America needs to immediately try Chicken Fried Steak, and you’ll realise we and the Americans are kindred spirits.”

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026

Eventually, of course, they realize they are kindred spirits who do their best work together.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

"We just joined forces and we have never looked back since, and it was great to have a kindred spirit on this journey," Bannister said.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

But he put those problems in the larger context of America’s friendship with Britain—“kindred countries of kindred principles.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Penelope felt the deep satisfaction one can only enjoy when in the company of a kindred spirit.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood