nephew

[ nef-yooor, especially British, nev-yoo ]

noun

1. a son of one's brother or sister.
2. a son of one's spouse's brother or sister.
3. an illegitimate son of a clergyman who has vowed celibacy (used as a euphemism).
4. Obsolete. a direct descendant, especially a grandson.
5. Obsolete. a remote male descendant, as a grandnephew or cousin.

nephew

/ ˈnɛf-; ˈnɛvjuː /

noun

1. a son of one's sister or brother

Word History and Origins

Origin of nephew¹

1250–1300; Middle English neveu < Old French < Latin nepōtem, accusative of nepōs nephew, grandson; akin to Old English nefa, Dutch neef, German Neffe, Old Norse nefi; the pseudo-etymological spelling with ph has influenced pronunciation

Word History and Origins

Origin of nephew¹

C13: from Old French neveu, from Latin nepōs; related to Old English nefa, Old High German nevo relative

Example Sentences

A university professor has uncovered fresh evidence to support claims Richard III was behind the murder of his nephews at the Tower of London.

From BBC

He thanked people for their "kindness and consideration" following his nephew's death.

From BBC

He is also nephew of another Hammers great, and former boss, Harry Redknapp.

From BBC

He is survived by husband Curtis and a handful of nieces and nephews.

From Los Angeles Times

County deaths — wives No. 4 and No. 7 and his nephew — while prosecutors used the other three to establish his decades-long pattern.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aunt
• cousin
• father
• folk
• mother
• niece
• sibling
• uncle