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; kin, -red

Example Sentences

What used to be an alliance of kindred souls is viewed by both sides today as a marriage of convenience, loveless and lacking basic trust.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

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

‘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