nephew

[nef-yoo, 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

That year, Williams’ mother and nephew died and his brother was diagnosed with cancer.

From Los Angeles Times

"He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin," his family added.

From BBC

He concluded by saying his son "was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin and was a huge part of our family".

From BBC

Was this your nephew that appears in the Tokyo episode or a different nephew?

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s affecting my nephew and nieces. It’s affecting my sister. But it’s not just affecting her household. It’s affecting my household.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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