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

For years, the infamous fishing trip involving Bryn and his nephew Jason has been wrapped in secrecy and speculation.

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Two days after Gutierrez left home, his nephew reported him missing.

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

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

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

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Related Words

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