kindred

American  

[kin-drid] / ˈkɪn drɪd /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

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

• kindredless
  adjective
• kindredness
  noun
• kindredship
  noun

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

Founding Father Alexander Hamilton met a kindred spirit in Caracas-born Francisco de Miranda, who fought for both the American and French revolutionary causes.

From Barron's • Jan. 18, 2026

The story of how he met his wife was its own kind of kindred moment, an encounter that would unknowingly carve out his path as an artist.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Morisot’s continued association with Manet, as well as their kindred viewing habits and penchant for contemporary Parisian subjects, led critics to consider her his student rather than a peer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025

We are kindred spirits and it makes sense that Westside Gunn and “Mama’s Gun” become Mama’s Westside Gunn for L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2025

‘The Third Age was my age. I was the Enemy of Sauron; and my work is finished. I shall go soon. The burden must lie now upon you and your kindred.’

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien